What a very long time since my last blog…I’m so sorry to have kept you waiting! After a year of lockdowns, a social life confined to Zoom, and a lack of my usual combination of events and travel, these past few months have been a bit of a whirlwind. Fully jabbed, I’ve been gradually and cautiously venturing forth. Seeing people in 3D again, managing some time away, and at last having things booked in the calendar!

It’s been a busy time writing-wise too – in the coming weeks I’ll fill you in on German translation fun, progress on the next addition to the Penang Series, and some guest posts from wonderful fellow authors. But for today I’d like to share some exciting news about a new book anthology, Everyday Kindness.

As the title suggests, the anthology is all about celebrating simple acts of human kindness. Over fifty authors have contributed uplifting, inspirational short stories to the compilation – I’ve included a picture at the bottom of this page showing the full list of writers, which includes me!

It’s a refreshing tribute to human nature at its best, and is all thanks to the lovely Louise Ross who, as well as being the international bestselling crime author, LJ Ross, is also the founder of numerous non-profit initiatives. Everyday Kindness is credit to her philanthropic spirit, as all proceeds will be donated to Shelter – which many of you will know is a UK charity supporting people struggling with homelessness.

When Louise invited me to be part of the anthology, I jumped at the opportunity. For those who have read my collection of short stories A Fine Pair of Shoes, you may recognise my contribution…and I’m very excited to see it sitting alongside so many beautiful stories from so many excellent authors. The book is going to be available in hardback, paperback and e-book and will be supported by a big PR campaign involving bookstores across the UK.

And the icing on the cake? I’ve ticked an item off my personal bucket list…my name on the front cover of The Bookseller! The eagle-eyed among you may have spotted the author’s names featured on the front cover of the book in the image above, and that image was on the cover of a recent copy of The Bookseller – any fellow writers, aspiring writers or writing experts out there will know that your name on the cover is a dream come true for any author!

The anthology is due to be published on 13th November, aptly coinciding with World Kindness Day, and also just in time for a certain shopping and gifting season…I can’t bring myself to mention it this early in the year, but you know which season I’m talking about…