Wednesday 28 September 2011

Christmas and Diamonds

Yes, I know it's the end of September and I imagine that those of you who follow me on thetraveleditor.com think I'm crazy for putting a Christmas related article on there this early. The fact of the matter is that the Bluebell Railway is already advertising and selling its very popular Christmas events. Which, of course, means booking early. http://www.thetraveleditor.com/article/8113/Things_to_do_Attractions_Historic_Railway_Christmas_Entertainment_on_the_Bluebell_Railway.html

The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace close to the public on 2nd October. That is, until 2012 which is also a very special year for the Monarchy. Not because of the Olympic Games, but because it will be the Diamond Jubilee of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Needless to say there will be loads of special events around the country, including at the various royal castles and palaces.

So far planned for the Buckingham Palace opening is "Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration". This will show how diamonds have been used by British monarchs over the past 200 years. On display will be some of Her Majesty's personal jewels - inherited and acquired during her reign. The exhibition will also show how many of these stones have been re-cut or incorporated into new settings. This exhibition is, at the moment, expected to be open during August and September 2012, but additional dates may well be added. As they say - watch this space.

For my book fans, sales of "Homicide in Hampshire" continue and I am now currently working on the manuscript of another crime novel which I hope to publish within the next few weeks. This one is set in Florida and I suspect that my fans there will be looking forward to reading it.

Saturday 17 September 2011

"Homicide in Hampshire"

First I want to thank all of you who have bought copies of the book. For those of you with a Kindle the good news is that the book is now available on Amazon.

Now to clear up a misconception. The other day someone told me he hadn't downloaded a copy of the book because he thinks e-publishing is the same as vanity publishing. (Vanity publishing being where the author pays for publication). E-publishing IS NOT vanity publishing.

Before the book is accepted for e-publication it is vetted.

If you still aren't convinced, check the author's qualifications. For example, I am a member of the Society of Authors and of the Society of Women Writers and Journalists. Both well-respected organisations for professional writers.

Now I have to get back to work on the manuscript of one of my others books that I am planning to e-publish in the near future. 



Thursday 1 September 2011

Buckingham Palace, Faberge and a Wedding Dress

This summer there have been two special exhibitions at Buckingham Palace. One is of items from the Royal Collection of Faberge. Absolutely exquisite. I could have spend hours looking at them. Some of those wonderful Easter eggs, miniature furniture, animals, cigarette cases - almost anything you can think of.

The other exhibit is THE wedding dress of the year. That worn by Kate Middleton when, in April, she married Prince William and became the Duchess of Cambridge.

Seeing it on display is the only way to get the full impact of the beauty - and the delicate handiwork - of this gown. Magazine pictures just don't do it justice. Delicate hand-made lace attached to the fabric with miniscule stitches, the buttons down the back and - the matching shoes.

Buckingham Palace and these two exhibitions are open the public until 3rd October, 2011.

A very good idea to save queuing and, of course, to make sure you get in is to pre-book via www.royalcollection.org.uk/

http://www.thetraveleditor.com/article/7086/Things_to_do_Historic_Castles_Palaces_Buckingham_Palace_State_Rooms.html




The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery
riding past Buckingham Palace.