Pauline Rowson's Blog, page 87
July 28, 2009
Celebration time
Hayling Island Library was buzzing with activity yesterday when throngs of local people turned up to celebrate its re-opening after its major refit.
The library has been completely redecorated and a new community room added with its own separate access allowing the library to run more group activity. There are now toilet facilities (handy when you're in the library a long time) and a very welcome coffee/tea machine - so you might need that loo!
All my novels were out on loan so I took some along with me to sell and sign for those interested. I met some lovely people.
There was a celebration cake, nibbles, and drinks, face painting and balloons for the children, or for anyone else for that matter, a chance to view the new facilities, and of course, to change your library books, DVDs etc.
It's good to have our local library back on the run and great to see it so vibrant.
BBC Radio Solent
I was on the Julian Clegg show on BBC Radio Solent this morning at 6.45 a.m talking to Julian about my novels. I'm one of 'Julian's People' those whose lives he has chosen to follow on his programme throughout the year.I'll be on his programme again on 1 October 2009.
More on my official web site www.rowmark.co.uk
Tide of Death
The library has been completely redecorated and a new community room added with its own separate access allowing the library to run more group activity. There are now toilet facilities (handy when you're in the library a long time) and a very welcome coffee/tea machine - so you might need that loo!
All my novels were out on loan so I took some along with me to sell and sign for those interested. I met some lovely people.
There was a celebration cake, nibbles, and drinks, face painting and balloons for the children, or for anyone else for that matter, a chance to view the new facilities, and of course, to change your library books, DVDs etc.
It's good to have our local library back on the run and great to see it so vibrant.
BBC Radio Solent
I was on the Julian Clegg show on BBC Radio Solent this morning at 6.45 a.m talking to Julian about my novels. I'm one of 'Julian's People' those whose lives he has chosen to follow on his programme throughout the year.I'll be on his programme again on 1 October 2009.
More on my official web site www.rowmark.co.uk
Tide of Death
July 18, 2009
The Suffocating Sea To Be Published In Large Print
I'm pleased to say that The Suffocating Sea, the third in the Inspector Horton Marine Mystery series of crime novels set in the Solent area, is to be published in Large Print in September.
It will be available to buy via the Internet and on order from bookshops. It will, of course, also be available from libraries certainly in the UK and I believe also in America.
I have been told that the talking book or audio version and download of The Suffocating Sea is also being published but I'm yet to have a date for this. When I do get one I will post something here and on my web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk/
The Suffocating Sea was recently chosen by The Book Depository as one of ten 'Best of British Crime Fiction.'
Here is the blurb on it:
The Suffocating Sea
DI Horton is called to investigate a suspicious fire on board a boat, but as soon as he arrives at the marina he experiences a premonition so strong that it’s almost audible. As he views the charred remains of the dead man he knows instinctively that this investigation will be like no other, and he’s right. Soon Horton is forced to confront the past, not just the victim’ past, but the mystery surrounding his mother’s disappearance over thirty years ago. As the pieces of a long ago puzzle begin to unravel, it soon becomes clear to Horton that this is one case someone is determined he should never solve – masterminded by a dangerous adversary who will stop at nothing to prevent the truth from coming out...
The Suffocating Sea An Andy Horton Mystery
It will be available to buy via the Internet and on order from bookshops. It will, of course, also be available from libraries certainly in the UK and I believe also in America.
I have been told that the talking book or audio version and download of The Suffocating Sea is also being published but I'm yet to have a date for this. When I do get one I will post something here and on my web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk/
The Suffocating Sea was recently chosen by The Book Depository as one of ten 'Best of British Crime Fiction.'
Here is the blurb on it:
The Suffocating Sea
DI Horton is called to investigate a suspicious fire on board a boat, but as soon as he arrives at the marina he experiences a premonition so strong that it’s almost audible. As he views the charred remains of the dead man he knows instinctively that this investigation will be like no other, and he’s right. Soon Horton is forced to confront the past, not just the victim’ past, but the mystery surrounding his mother’s disappearance over thirty years ago. As the pieces of a long ago puzzle begin to unravel, it soon becomes clear to Horton that this is one case someone is determined he should never solve – masterminded by a dangerous adversary who will stop at nothing to prevent the truth from coming out...
The Suffocating Sea An Andy Horton Mystery
July 12, 2009
Hayling Island Libary Grand Re-Opening 27 July 2009
I'm delighted to have been asked to help celebrate my local library's grand re-opening on 27 July at 4pm.
Hayling Library is in the process of undergoing a major refit and I know it has been missed by many people since it closed on 30 May. However, I am sure the wait will be worthwhile as we will have new shelving, new furniture, a much needed new community room and MORE books - 300 to be precise, great news. Libraries are such an important part of our local communities.
The makeover at Hayling Library has been made possible after Hampshire County Council won lottery funding.
I have been asked to be present at the re-opening ceremony on 27 July which takes place at 4pm and the celebrations will then continue into the evening until 7pm. So I will be at the library for a while to sign books and to talk to anyone about my marine mystery crime novels which are set in the Solent area. I'll also be happy to answer questions and provide advice to any budding writers. So if you're in the area do come along.
Tide of Death
Hayling Library is in the process of undergoing a major refit and I know it has been missed by many people since it closed on 30 May. However, I am sure the wait will be worthwhile as we will have new shelving, new furniture, a much needed new community room and MORE books - 300 to be precise, great news. Libraries are such an important part of our local communities.
The makeover at Hayling Library has been made possible after Hampshire County Council won lottery funding.
I have been asked to be present at the re-opening ceremony on 27 July which takes place at 4pm and the celebrations will then continue into the evening until 7pm. So I will be at the library for a while to sign books and to talk to anyone about my marine mystery crime novels which are set in the Solent area. I'll also be happy to answer questions and provide advice to any budding writers. So if you're in the area do come along.
Tide of Death
July 3, 2009
Crime and thriller novels triumph in a boom and recession
Good news for crime writers and readers comes from a recent survey commissioned in the UK by The Bookseller magazine and conducted by The Next Big Thing.
Despite tightening purse strings people still enjoy a good crime novel, me included.
The survey throws up some interesting data and although should not be taken as gospel it provides a snapshot into reading and buying habits in the UK. You can read about the findings at http://www.thebookseller.com/in-depth... but here are a couple of juicy bits that particularly concern crime writers like myself.
"3,159 people responded (just over 1,000 were surveyed in 2008 and all in face-to-face street interviews). They came from across all regions of the country, included a broad spread of adult age groups, a representative spread of all socio-economic groups, and an equal number of men and women."
In 2009 interviews were conducted on line, which of course could slew some of the findings, but nevertheless there are some interesting findings.
"The overall favoured genres and the most popular genre in the downturn is the same as in the better economic climate: crime/thriller novels. "
"Crime/thrillers and science-fiction fans are the two categories that are more likely than average to continue to buy books at the same rate, at 45.5% and 41% respectively."
"The crime/thriller genre is most popular with the over-40s"
The survey also highlights the shift to online buying over other channels such as bookshops and supermarkets, which probably comes as no surprise to most of us. (This answer could be slewed because the survey was conducted on line).
And although crime novels came out tops that doesn't mean writers of other genres or readers need despair. Sci fi was also a popular choice and the popularity of literary fiction appears to have risen. "In 2008 it was behind romance but in 2009 it is on a par."
There is a lot more in the survey about buying patterns and e book readers so if you're interested take a look at http://www.thebookseller.com/in-depth...
Despite tightening purse strings people still enjoy a good crime novel, me included.
The survey throws up some interesting data and although should not be taken as gospel it provides a snapshot into reading and buying habits in the UK. You can read about the findings at http://www.thebookseller.com/in-depth... but here are a couple of juicy bits that particularly concern crime writers like myself.
"3,159 people responded (just over 1,000 were surveyed in 2008 and all in face-to-face street interviews). They came from across all regions of the country, included a broad spread of adult age groups, a representative spread of all socio-economic groups, and an equal number of men and women."
In 2009 interviews were conducted on line, which of course could slew some of the findings, but nevertheless there are some interesting findings.
"The overall favoured genres and the most popular genre in the downturn is the same as in the better economic climate: crime/thriller novels. "
"Crime/thrillers and science-fiction fans are the two categories that are more likely than average to continue to buy books at the same rate, at 45.5% and 41% respectively."
"The crime/thriller genre is most popular with the over-40s"
The survey also highlights the shift to online buying over other channels such as bookshops and supermarkets, which probably comes as no surprise to most of us. (This answer could be slewed because the survey was conducted on line).
And although crime novels came out tops that doesn't mean writers of other genres or readers need despair. Sci fi was also a popular choice and the popularity of literary fiction appears to have risen. "In 2008 it was behind romance but in 2009 it is on a par."
There is a lot more in the survey about buying patterns and e book readers so if you're interested take a look at http://www.thebookseller.com/in-depth...
June 29, 2009
Beside the seaside.. beside the sea
I'm just back from Hayling seafront, lovely breeze, the sea looks & feels great. Oh, I do love to be beside the seaside... especially on a very hot day like today. Though, honestly, I love the sea no matter what the weather and as many of you know it is the inspiration for my crime novels.
Having been brought up close to the sea in Portsmouth, on the south coast of England, it is part of me. I spent many days of my youth sprawled out on Southsea and Hayling beach sunbathing, and no, I didn't know anything about skin cancer then. Like all my friends I smothered myself in baby lotion and cooked under a blistering sun. It sends shudders up my spine to think what damage I must have done to my skin. Now, like a good girl, and of more mature years, it's sun factor 25 and a hat.
The forecast is for a hot sunny week so plenty more sea breeze and walks along the beach on Hayling Island and on the Isle of Wight where I have a little bolt holt, which enables me to do lots of lovely creative writing. It beats working for a living!! I only have to remember all those days I spent in an office looking longingly at the lovely weather and wishing I was outside enjoying it to appreciate what I now have.
I'm currently working on a new Inspector Horton marine mystery crime novel, which is set in March, so it's winds, rain and the odd glimpse of spring breaking through as the backdrop to a tantalising tale full of twists and turns and surprises. That's what I so love about England. OK, so we all moan about the weather, but it always give us lots to talk about, and provides great variety. We have the beauty of the changing seasons and of course, the sea: beguiling, beautiful, bewitching - dangerous, deadly, deceptive - mysterious, masterly, moody - tempestuous, tidal, tranquil. What more, I ask you, could a crime writer want as a backdrop to a murder mystery novel?
Having been brought up close to the sea in Portsmouth, on the south coast of England, it is part of me. I spent many days of my youth sprawled out on Southsea and Hayling beach sunbathing, and no, I didn't know anything about skin cancer then. Like all my friends I smothered myself in baby lotion and cooked under a blistering sun. It sends shudders up my spine to think what damage I must have done to my skin. Now, like a good girl, and of more mature years, it's sun factor 25 and a hat.
The forecast is for a hot sunny week so plenty more sea breeze and walks along the beach on Hayling Island and on the Isle of Wight where I have a little bolt holt, which enables me to do lots of lovely creative writing. It beats working for a living!! I only have to remember all those days I spent in an office looking longingly at the lovely weather and wishing I was outside enjoying it to appreciate what I now have.
I'm currently working on a new Inspector Horton marine mystery crime novel, which is set in March, so it's winds, rain and the odd glimpse of spring breaking through as the backdrop to a tantalising tale full of twists and turns and surprises. That's what I so love about England. OK, so we all moan about the weather, but it always give us lots to talk about, and provides great variety. We have the beauty of the changing seasons and of course, the sea: beguiling, beautiful, bewitching - dangerous, deadly, deceptive - mysterious, masterly, moody - tempestuous, tidal, tranquil. What more, I ask you, could a crime writer want as a backdrop to a murder mystery novel?
June 8, 2009
What has a crime writer, giraffe, red-eyed frog and bat-eared fox got in common?
We'll all be at Marwell Wildlife on 23 July 2009 between 3pm and 5pm.
Join me for a sumptuous tea and talk on 23 July 2009 in the spectacular setting of Marwell Hall at Hampshire Marwell Wildlife. But don't worry you won't be going on safari, (shame, I hear some of you cry), instead you'll be listening to me talking about my crime novels and how I write. I'll be reading extracts from my books and I'll also be answering questions (about writing - not exotic animals).
Marwell Wildlife is a registered charity so visiting it is not only a chance to get up close to the wonders of the natural world but also helps play a big part in saving the animals. From pink-tailed sharks to red-eyed tree frogs, laughing kookabura to frilled lizards, giraffe-nosed catfishes to bat-eared foxes – the 140-acre park is home to over 250 exotic and endangered species, ( not including crime writers) in beautiful, landscaped surroundings.
This summer, for the first time ever, Marwell is holding a series of literary teas and I am delighted to be the first author to kick start this exciting programme of entertainment. I will be reading from my novels, answering questions and signing books. There will be afternoon tea, cakes and scones. Yummie!
Pre-booking is essential. Please call 01962 777966 / 777936 or email events@marwell.org.uk. 10% discount for Annual Pass Holders - exclusive price of £37.35 per adult. For non Annual Pass holders the cost is £41.50 or visit http://www.marwell.org.uk/planning_yo....
Hope some of you can make it.
Join me for a sumptuous tea and talk on 23 July 2009 in the spectacular setting of Marwell Hall at Hampshire Marwell Wildlife. But don't worry you won't be going on safari, (shame, I hear some of you cry), instead you'll be listening to me talking about my crime novels and how I write. I'll be reading extracts from my books and I'll also be answering questions (about writing - not exotic animals).
Marwell Wildlife is a registered charity so visiting it is not only a chance to get up close to the wonders of the natural world but also helps play a big part in saving the animals. From pink-tailed sharks to red-eyed tree frogs, laughing kookabura to frilled lizards, giraffe-nosed catfishes to bat-eared foxes – the 140-acre park is home to over 250 exotic and endangered species, ( not including crime writers) in beautiful, landscaped surroundings.
This summer, for the first time ever, Marwell is holding a series of literary teas and I am delighted to be the first author to kick start this exciting programme of entertainment. I will be reading from my novels, answering questions and signing books. There will be afternoon tea, cakes and scones. Yummie!
Pre-booking is essential. Please call 01962 777966 / 777936 or email events@marwell.org.uk. 10% discount for Annual Pass Holders - exclusive price of £37.35 per adult. For non Annual Pass holders the cost is £41.50 or visit http://www.marwell.org.uk/planning_yo....
Hope some of you can make it.
June 6, 2009
Book Signing for Independent Booksellers Week
I will be signing copies of my latest Marine Mystery, Dead Man’s Wharf and the new paperback edition of Deadly Waters as well as my other crime novels, of course,) at The Hayling Island Bookshop on Saturday 20 June 2009 between 11am and 12 noon as part of the celebrations for Independent Booksellers Week.
Dead Man’s Wharf was recently published in hard cover and features my rugged detective, Portsmouth-based Inspector Andy Horton. If you are in the area and get the chance then do come along and say 'hello.' No ticket is necessary, just turn up on the day.
Independent Booksellers Week was first introduced in 2008 and celebrates the best in local independent bookshops around the UK with a series of events. It runs from 15 to 22 June.
For further information and directions please contact The Hayling Island Bookshop on + 44 (0) 23 9246 6620 or visit their website at http://www.haylingislandbookshop.co.uk/
Dead Man's Wharf
Dead Man’s Wharf was recently published in hard cover and features my rugged detective, Portsmouth-based Inspector Andy Horton. If you are in the area and get the chance then do come along and say 'hello.' No ticket is necessary, just turn up on the day.
Independent Booksellers Week was first introduced in 2008 and celebrates the best in local independent bookshops around the UK with a series of events. It runs from 15 to 22 June.
For further information and directions please contact The Hayling Island Bookshop on + 44 (0) 23 9246 6620 or visit their website at http://www.haylingislandbookshop.co.uk/
Dead Man's Wharf
May 27, 2009
New Video Uploaded
I've uploaded a new video. On it I discuss the inspiration behind my fast-paced crime thriller novel, In Cold Daylight. I'm also reading the prologue from the book.
Here is a short blurb about In Cold Daylight
Was fire fighter, Jack Bartholomew's death an accident or arson? Who is determined to stop him from discovering the truth behind the cancer deaths of so many fire fighters from one watch? His closest friend, marine artist, Adam Greene, is forced to take up the quest. His mission to get to the truth no matter what the cost, even if it means his life.
In Cold Daylight is dedicated to my fire fighting husband, Bob, his former colleagues of Red Watch, Southsea, and to all fire fighters everywhere. A great bunch of people. You do a fantastic job. http://www.rowmark.co.uk
In Cold Daylight
Here is a short blurb about In Cold Daylight
Was fire fighter, Jack Bartholomew's death an accident or arson? Who is determined to stop him from discovering the truth behind the cancer deaths of so many fire fighters from one watch? His closest friend, marine artist, Adam Greene, is forced to take up the quest. His mission to get to the truth no matter what the cost, even if it means his life.
In Cold Daylight is dedicated to my fire fighting husband, Bob, his former colleagues of Red Watch, Southsea, and to all fire fighters everywhere. A great bunch of people. You do a fantastic job. http://www.rowmark.co.uk
In Cold Daylight
May 18, 2009
Reader Feedback
It's always great to get positive feedback on one's novels and I am delighted to have received some lovely comments from readers over the last couple of weeks concerning the latest Inspector Horton Marine Mystery crime novel, Dead Man's Wharf.
I've also had some great comments from readers who have just discovered my earlier crime novels, Tide of Death, Deadly Waters and The Suffocating Sea, as well as my thriller In For Kill. If that sounds like bragging then please it's not -far from it. I am just soooo grateful for a kind word or two...
When a new novel is published, us authors wait with baited breath, not to see what the 'official' reviewers are saying about it but what the real readers think about it. We are nervous, sensitive souls who have lived, breathed and eaten that last novel. We've shared our characters fears, thrills, sorrows, joys and more, so much so that it feels as though a part of us has been laid bare. We want the book to be good - great even. And we really want people to enjoy reading it.
By the time I have finished writing, and endlessly revising a novel, I know it inside out and back to front. And that's not the end of the matter, I then have to go through the proofs. I am then so close to it that it is difficult to be objective. There comes a time, I am sure with most writers, when you believe that everything you have written is rubbish, so when feedback of a positive nature comes through you have to be scraped off the ceiling you're so excited. It's a great motivator to carry on.
Giving pleasure to my readers in the form of a thrill, a good mystery novel, a gripping and enjoyable crime story is what I love doing. I adore my central character, the flawed and hunky Inspector Andy Horton with all his faults, and I am delighted to say that my readers also love him.
I know I'm probably opening myself here to adverse comments because there's bound to be others who don't like the books -but then that's art for you - it's subjective, and although negative comments hurt I know that I can't please all the people all the time. I'd just like to!
A big thank you to everyone who has been kind enough to let me know that they are enjoying my crime novels. And, yes, I have written the next Inspector Horton, but I'm not sure when it will be published. I'll let you know as soon as I do, here, and on my official web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk where you can read all about my novels and business books and listen to extracts from them.
Now I'd better get back to writing. I left Inspector Horton in a tricky situation... but then when isn't he?
I've also had some great comments from readers who have just discovered my earlier crime novels, Tide of Death, Deadly Waters and The Suffocating Sea, as well as my thriller In For Kill. If that sounds like bragging then please it's not -far from it. I am just soooo grateful for a kind word or two...
When a new novel is published, us authors wait with baited breath, not to see what the 'official' reviewers are saying about it but what the real readers think about it. We are nervous, sensitive souls who have lived, breathed and eaten that last novel. We've shared our characters fears, thrills, sorrows, joys and more, so much so that it feels as though a part of us has been laid bare. We want the book to be good - great even. And we really want people to enjoy reading it.
By the time I have finished writing, and endlessly revising a novel, I know it inside out and back to front. And that's not the end of the matter, I then have to go through the proofs. I am then so close to it that it is difficult to be objective. There comes a time, I am sure with most writers, when you believe that everything you have written is rubbish, so when feedback of a positive nature comes through you have to be scraped off the ceiling you're so excited. It's a great motivator to carry on.
Giving pleasure to my readers in the form of a thrill, a good mystery novel, a gripping and enjoyable crime story is what I love doing. I adore my central character, the flawed and hunky Inspector Andy Horton with all his faults, and I am delighted to say that my readers also love him.
I know I'm probably opening myself here to adverse comments because there's bound to be others who don't like the books -but then that's art for you - it's subjective, and although negative comments hurt I know that I can't please all the people all the time. I'd just like to!
A big thank you to everyone who has been kind enough to let me know that they are enjoying my crime novels. And, yes, I have written the next Inspector Horton, but I'm not sure when it will be published. I'll let you know as soon as I do, here, and on my official web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk where you can read all about my novels and business books and listen to extracts from them.
Now I'd better get back to writing. I left Inspector Horton in a tricky situation... but then when isn't he?
May 13, 2009
Book Signings and CrimeFest
I’ve just returned from giving two talks in Cornwall where the sun was shining, the sea was blue and the crowds were flocking to St Ives, which was my first port of call on Tuesday morning at 11am. I met some delightful people as always and my heartfelt thanks to them for listening to me talking about how I write and for buying my books. After a quick sandwich lunch sitting in the cemetery overlooking the bay it was about an hour’s drive to St Austell Library where, once again, I met some lovely people, answered questions about my marine mystery crime novels and signed books before setting homewards.
My next stop was meant to be CrimeFest in Bristol for my panel interview on Friday 15 May, but due to unforeseen circumstances I have had to pull out. I am really disappointed as I was looking forward to speaking at the event and meeting so many crime authors and crime fiction fans. If you are attending and hoping to see me and hear me talk, please accept my apologies. I will be back next year. My books will still be on sale at CrimeFest but I won’t be there to sign them – sorry. For anyone who is disappointed not to meet me, please e mail me or leave a comment here if you have a particular question you wanted to ask me. If you require signed copies you can order direct by visiting my official web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk
My next book signing and talk is at Ferndown Library, Dorset on Tuesday 2 June at 10.30am. All welcome e mail: ferndownlibrary@dorsetcc.gov.uk Tel: 01202 874542 And I promise I will be there.
My next stop was meant to be CrimeFest in Bristol for my panel interview on Friday 15 May, but due to unforeseen circumstances I have had to pull out. I am really disappointed as I was looking forward to speaking at the event and meeting so many crime authors and crime fiction fans. If you are attending and hoping to see me and hear me talk, please accept my apologies. I will be back next year. My books will still be on sale at CrimeFest but I won’t be there to sign them – sorry. For anyone who is disappointed not to meet me, please e mail me or leave a comment here if you have a particular question you wanted to ask me. If you require signed copies you can order direct by visiting my official web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk
My next book signing and talk is at Ferndown Library, Dorset on Tuesday 2 June at 10.30am. All welcome e mail: ferndownlibrary@dorsetcc.gov.uk Tel: 01202 874542 And I promise I will be there.
