about me

I've been writing since I was old enough to hold a pencil - my poem about a potato being made into a chip when I was 8 is a triumph ;-)

In recent years I've been a serial blogger both on my own blog and for The Huffington Post. I've recently returned from many years living in France and have based my book on many of my experiences - although not on ANYONE I knew (especially if they are of a litigious nature). I like to think it's a funny book, but if it doesn't make you laugh then it's obviously deadly serious.


**** I'm chained to a radiator finishing La Vie en Rosé and as a result not terribly active on Authonomy. As we all know, no activity means that I'm slipping (very slowly fortunately) down the rankings. I'd be very happy to hear from anyone who wants to do a read swap so I can keep the slide at a gentle pace rather than a downhill dash****


** I have so many books on the site that I love but only 5 spaces on my bookshelf. There are some that I will keep there until they reach the Ed's desk but I try to have a reshuffle every Thursday so I can share my other favourites. If I take you off my bookshelf, rest assured you'll be back on it again soon **

I am very happy to do read/crit swaps (especially at the moment - see above) but please bear in mind my book is CHICK LIT/WOMEN'S FICTION so if that's not a genre that you are comfortable with please don't ask me to swap reads then just comment to say 'not my genre' or worse still, don't even both to comment and just send me a patronising message. You know who you are.......

I'm happy to look at all genres because I believe that even if it's not one I'm comfortable with you can still comment on the quality of the writing, pace, characterisation, etc.

Agents/publishers/internet stalkers/general weirdos can contact me on home(at)southviewhouse(dot)com.

I am NOT looking for a mail order bride so please don't ask!

favourite books

The Help - Katherine Stockett
The Bookseller of Kabul - Asne Sierestad (spelled wrongly!)
The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
One Day - David Nicholls
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Mary Anne Shaffer

And for a bit of escapism, Catherine Alliot and all the other great chick lit writers

my websites

http://www.therivercottagediaries.blogspot.com