Shed of the Year 2009 Winner is...The Kite Cabin

Stephen Harwood's shed is a very worthy winner and a fab shed with everything you could wish for inside and a great view too.

If you want to read what the judges had to say about the other finalists, please go here. However Sarah Beeny had this to say about Grumpy's Palace, "...Though I was tempted by Grumpy’s Palace as it looks just like my office," and Chris Evans said this, "Grumpy’s shed was a great shed but nothing that nice and welcoming should be called grumpy - I’m saying next year change the name and you’re in with a shout, son."

I've had such fun taking part, and I'm sure Grumpy has too, though to look at the expression on his face, it's a little hard to tell. A big thank you, once again, to everyone who voted for Grumpy's Palace. Your votes were much appreciated.

Don't forget to have a look at the Richard Armitage interview over at Vulpes Libris

Raspberry Cosmopolitans, French Knickers & Richard Armitage

Lunch on Saturday was perfect. Great food (Caesar salad followed by lobster salad for me, accompanied by several bottles of bubbles and much hilarity. Later, having almost talked and giggled ourselves hoarse, Sach (the organized one) led us out to the waiting taxi that she'd arranged, and off we went to the Royal Yacht where we sat in the sun and enjoyed another bottle of the same.

Then it was on to the Museum (outside cocktail bar there) where we enjoyed several of these raspberry cosmopolitans, and another, very tasty cocktail, called French Knickers. I've tried looking this one up, but without success so have no idea what the ingredients are, however, it (yes, only had one of these) was very good.

Spent most of sunday relaxing and reading, and have to admit that very little writing was done this weekend. I think it did my brain good to have a break.


I'm looking forward to an interview with Richard Armitage, tomorrow (Wednesday) on Vulpes Libris where he talks about books, Richard III and Guy of Gisborne (who is no more, sob, gulp). You can find the interview here

Happy Independence Day & Interview

Happy Independence Day.

Today, R will be hoisting his stars & stripes flag - yes, he does have a flagpole, much to my initial embarrassment - as he has family connections to America (grandfather, I think). I shall be on the other side of the island, enjoying a gossip-and-bubble-filled lunch with 'the girls'. We've booked a table at Sumas on the terrace overlooking Gorey bay, which should be glorious, as the sun is shining. I can't wait.

I was interviewed yesterday over the phone by the very lovely Kate Muir of The Times about being a finalist in the Shed of the Year 2009 competition. I was nervous, of course, but she was very friendly, and I ended up chatting to her all about the Romantic Novelists Association, Novel Racers and my online writing groups.

We discussed my shed, all my bits and pieces in it and what a great space it is to work in. It was only later that I realized I have one of her books, West Coast, bought when I went to London in February for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award lunch, in my tbr pile.

The piece about the Shed of the Year 2009 competition will be published in The Times, in the gardening section on 11th July.

Shed of the Year 2009 - Finalists Announced

The finalists for this years Shed of the Year competition have been announced, and you'll never guess whose shed made it this far... yes, mine. So exciting.

My shed, or "Grumpy's Palace", has been voted as 'Garden Office Category Winner' for 2009. If you want to have a look, please go here

Thank you all so much for voting. I can't believe the shed has made it to the finals, and now all I have to do is wait for the celebrity judges, Sarah Beeny, Chris Evans and Trevor Bayliss, among others, to make their choices. Having had a look at the competition, I don't hold much hope, but it's been a thrill getting this far. They will announce the winner on 8th July.

Cut Short by Leigh Russell & My Letter

My copy of Leigh Russell's novel, Cut Short arrived in today's post. I've had a sneaky peak (as you do) and it promises to be a fab read, so I can't wait to get going.

If you go to Leigh's site here you can read more about it and also her virtual book launch, where when you've bought your copy of Cut Short, you can email her and if you include the name you'd like her to sign the book for, she'll send you a signed message that you can print out and stick in the book. How clever is that?

I've just noticed that I've had a letter published in this months Writers' Forum mag, and should now be getting a free moleskin notebook. I love notebooks. So happy.

Right, I'd better dash. Just returned from an hour in the car, thanks to daughter's sports day and the nightmare that is countless overheated, irate parents, sitting in cars waiting for their daughters to finally get to the car park so they can sit for an age whilst they queue to get out.

Have a great weekend.

Happy 18th Birthday, James

It's my gorgeous son's 18th birthday on 25th June, and I'd like to wish him a truly fabulous future.

Thinking back to when this angelic looking child was small, I never imagined that he could ever turn out so wonderful. He's fun, funny, a talented drummer, and waiting for his A2 results to see if he can go to university in September. He is practically horizontal and nothing much fazes him.

We all love him to bits, except maybe for his sister, who is nearly driven mad by him. Even they manage to get along well together (on the odd occasion).

So, Happy Birthday James. Make the most of every opportunity. X

A Clever Idea

Apparently there is a chap in South Africa who was so fed up of people breaking into his yard that he had his dog clipped to look like a lion. Since then he hasn't had a problem at all.

What a clever idea.












Do you think it would work if I did the same with him?

Thought not!