Writing by Lois

Paring and pruning

I am continuing to edit ‘The Stalking of Rosa Czekov’. I’m about half way through reading it out loud to myself, cutting out repetitions… of which I seem particularly fond. When I write I have a commentary running in my head which is in normal spoken English  with sentences beginning with ‘and’ and ‘but’, words repetitive for audible emphasis as one would in […]

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Writing by Lois

Telling a book by its cover

If your book is accepted by a publisher, the choice of cover may not be under your control. What a daunting prospect when it is though! Self-publishing loads all the responsibility onto the author. it is exciting… but anxiety inducing. What picture? What style? What would speak for your book, what would attract your readers, pull them into […]

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The Easthope stories by Lois

A touching note

Following a news item about me and my first novel, FARHOLM, in our local newspaper, the Weston Mercury, I received my first ever fan letter! An elderly neighbour, eighty-eight year old Ruby Twite wrote a lovely note to me.  I was thrilled and touched to receive it as it is doubtful that she will ever […]

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Food by Lois

Cake without Spice

This recipe, hand written either by my mum, Monica, or her sister Beryl,  fell from a book I was reading and I have no idea how it had got there. Monica and Beryl were  excellent cooks,   cakes rose like angels, cookies were scrumptious, meringues…  eclairs…  puddings, pies and pastries were renowned within the family and friends. […]

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Writing by Lois

Now to do a little editing

I wrote the stalking of Rosa Czekov some years ago but have edited and polished it at various times;  Rosa is one of my novels that I have sent off on numerous occassions to editors and agents without success. I have faith in my story though, and I think it deserves a wider audience. I […]

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