Heidi James's Blog: Autumn chill...

Goodreads are hosting a giveaway of ten copies of So the Doves... Good luck!

Next month my latest novel is published, there will be press and a party and I've bought a new dress... all very exciting. And terrifying of course.
I just read Danuta Kean's piece on Up-Lit in the Guardian, where she's describing a new trend in literature that shows 'an appetite for everyday heroism, human connection and love...' who can blame us for wanting to be reminded that us beings are capable of empathy and kindness at a time when it seems we are rolling around political and environmental horror like spun coins.
So the Doves has it's fair share of darkness - it's a psychological thriller after all, about corruption, lies, the media and government - but when I was writing it, I wanted to get away from abjection, away from the helpless female victim, away from unrelenting poverty and lack of ambition. I wanted, and hope I've achieved, a sense of hope, hope that loyalty and friendship will win out, that sometimes the poor kid escapes and that maybe, just a tiny bit of redemption is possible, even if not totally assured or easy.

Next month my latest novel is published, there will be press and a party and I've bought a new dress... all very exciting. And terrifying of course.
I just read Danuta Kean's piece on Up-Lit in the Guardian, where she's describing a new trend in literature that shows 'an appetite for everyday heroism, human connection and love...' who can blame us for wanting to be reminded that us beings are capable of empathy and kindness at a time when it seems we are rolling around political and environmental horror like spun coins.
So the Doves has it's fair share of darkness - it's a psychological thriller after all, about corruption, lies, the media and government - but when I was writing it, I wanted to get away from abjection, away from the helpless female victim, away from unrelenting poverty and lack of ambition. I wanted, and hope I've achieved, a sense of hope, hope that loyalty and friendship will win out, that sometimes the poor kid escapes and that maybe, just a tiny bit of redemption is possible, even if not totally assured or easy.

So the Doves is coming... I've submitted my final draft, we're discussing covers, blurb, etc... and of course, now I'm having a freak out. Will I choose the right cover? Will anyone read it? Will they come to the launch party (will you? You're invited)? Is it crap? Am I?

It's chilly, but the sky is a bright blue... time for curling up with new books! What are you reading?
Yesterday I had the privilege of taking some students out on a walk with me - I took them to Brixton (my favourite part of London) and shared my inspirations and my process with them - it was fun but thought provoking, having to articulate a usually private and seemingly instinctive practice... new short story on its way though.
And I just delivered So the Doves to my publisher... (less)

...on a rainy September Friday... I've finally discovered all that goodreads has to offer (sadly, I'm always behind on these things). Pretty exciting way to connect with other readers and writers!
Today I'm editing So the Doves (out next year), watching the rain pummel the garden and listening to Rose snore.
Yesterday I met with a film maker who is interested in adapting a short story for the screen... watch this space for news on that.

Right, back to work... hello, good bye and chat soon I hope. x