Today I am mostly getting excited about taking a long and much-needed break from the computer. Is there anything more thrilling than writing an automated vacation response for your emails? I WILL BE SKIVING FOR DAYS you want to cry out in sheer joy. DAYS AND DAYYYYYYS. DRINKING COCKTAILS AND STUFF. SUNBATHING. READING BY THE SEA!

Before I disappear into the sunset, I am trying to do a little bit of planning for the rest of the year. As well as writing my third novel from September onwards, I will be busy promoting my second book. Ketchup Clouds is out on January 3rd and I am getting so excited about introducing it to you.

There are secrets, betrayal, lies, a bit of murder… All in all a cheery little read for those post-Christmas blues (!). Joking aside, there may be a few dark themes, but it’s a love story above all else: tender, poignant and (I hope) ultimately uplifting.

There are school visits, library talks and festival appearances to sort out in the build up to publication, so if you’d like to organise an event near you, please do get in touch (arpitcherauthor@gmail.com). I am already booked up for November and have limited availability in September, October and December, so hurry up and email if you’re keen! Only, don’t expect a reply for a few weeks. I am on HOLIDAY you see. As of tomorrow. Apologies in advance for the smug automated vacation response…