A week ago today, the literary world lost one of its greats. 

Sue Townsend 
(2 April 1946 – 10 April 2014)

Sue Townsend was an English writer, best known for creating Adrian Mole, the character which first introduced me to the comic and poignant genius of this woman. 

Did you know, the diaries of tortured teenager Adrian Mole sold more copies than any other work of fiction in Britain during its decade? The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾ was a gift from my mum when I was an angst-ridden teenage with a secret diary of my own. Mum opened a door to the world of Sue Townsend, and I hope I can encourage you to begin reading her books too. 

You might be forgiven in thinking that Mrs T was all about just one spotty teenager, but you'd be wrong. Sue's work includes novels, plays and works of journalism. Her warm and touching writing opened up the world of books for me beyond Roald Dahl when I was a young teenager, and I have been a fan ever since. 

It made me wonder though, how many more of her books can I still look forward to reading? A quick look on Wikipedia revealed Sue's full fiction bibliography. Gotta love the internet!

Adrian Mole series

• The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾ (1982), her bestselling book READ IT!
• The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole (1984) READ IT!
• The True Confessions of Adrian Albert Mole (1989) READ IT!
• Adrian Mole: From Minor to Major (1991)  - an omnibus of the first three, plus a bonus section
• Adrian Mole: The Wilderness Years (1993) READ IT!
• Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years (1999) READ IT!
• Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction (2004)
• The Lost Diaries of Adrian Mole, 1999–2001 (2008)
• Adrian Mole: The Prostrate Years (2009)

I've still got a few Mr Mole books to read, then - I had no idea! Whoop, whoop!

Other novels

• Rebuilding Coventry (1988)
• The Queen and I (1992), a story about the British Royal Family living a "normal" life on an urban housing estate. I've wanted to read this one for long time, so it might be the next ST one I devour. 
• Ghost Children (1997), a novel covering issues of bereavement, child abuse and women's self-esteem through their body image. 
• Number Ten (2002) READ IT!
• Queen Camilla (2006)
• The Woman Who Went to Bed for a Year (2012) READ IT - just before ST died. Recommended - hilarious as well as touching.

Which books have you especially enjoyed by the late Sue Townsend? I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Have a look at the lovely obituary Sue's publisher posted, then get into your favourite online/local bookstore and grab one of her books. You won't regret it!

Enjoy the long weekend, 

Lou x

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This is my book shelf. 

I love books and just wanted to share my shelves with you this week. It's nothing special, a fiver off a car boot sale, but these shelves are special to me. 

You can see it's not all books... I don't have a lot of storage in my current place and my DVDs need somewhere to go!

I have many more books than this - my windowsill is also piling up with books I want to read in the future. My elephants are kept company by books I love. 

I try to keep the books I know I will read again, but sometimes my list of books I want to read (and therefore have a copy stored somewhere) is an even bigger pile!

The ornaments are treasures from my life. I collect elephant figurines, so there's a few here. I also have gifts from my boyfriend, a hardy plant (can't believe it's still alive!), and one of my favourite photos of me. I really feel like these three shelves reflect who I am!

I will always have a book shelf. I tried out the phenomenon of the ebook last week, and I still prefer paperbacks. Even if my living quarters get too small one day for an actual bookcase, I'll probably pile my books on top of the toilet or something - somewhere!!

What does your bookshelf look like?

Lou x

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It's International Book Giving Day, so a perfect time to tell you which books I was given on my birthday last week. 

You should know this - if in doubt, buy me a book! It was my birthday last Saturday and my mum pulled it out the bag again with a great title. 

STONER ~ John Williams

'Stoner' was book of the year 2013, according to Waterstones. I'm currently finishing the second of my two Christmas book presents, but I look forward to getting stuck into this new one. Having not read a lot in the last few months (Christmas, work disruption, fiance in the country with me!), I'm really looking forward to getting a few volumes under my belt before Easter. 

I have yet to buy myself a birthday present (personal tradition, not to be missed!), and I'm thinking I might try to clear out some of my Amazon Wishlist of books. I'll try to limit myself!

Have a great weekend all, see you next Friday. 

Lou x

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Christmas is a time of giving. I'm a reader. If you're in any doubt on what to give me as a present in the future, do as my family wisely did*. Give me books. 

Two books came my way this Christmas:

THE WHITE TIGER ~ Aravind Adiga

This author is previously unknown to me. This novel was added to my Amazon wishlist, originally recommended by a friend when I was travelling last year. 

THE UNFORTUNATES ~ Laurie Graham

I loved Laurie Graham's "The Future Homemakers of America", so this one will hopefully be a good 'un too!

I'm currently trying to finish "Dexter By Design" by Jeff Lindsay (big fan of the Dexter TV series, wading through the books), but I can't wait to get stuck into these two. 

Welcome to any new readers, by the way. I was lucky enough to be invited onto BBC Northampton Radio this lunch time with presenter Helen Blaby. We talked about lots about getting into reading and how great blogs are...  and I managed a cheeky bit of promo for this blog, so it's good to have you here. 

See you next week!

Lou x

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*Feel like I should mention my family didn't just give me two books. I was a very lucky girl this year!

I normally share my holiday reads with you, so here's the next installment. 

I'm jetting off to Costa Rica again tomorrow for 12 days. I have, however,  been told by my boyfriend in no uncertain terms there won't be much time for reading. I'm currently working my way through William Boyd's 'Restless', but I imagine I'll finish that before it's time to board the plane.  

I read 'Any Human Heart' by Boyd last summer and really enjoyed it, so no surprises, this volume is working out very nicely for me and my reading tastes... unlike when I read Tom Jones... A spy novel I can actually get on with! *shock*

I'm also going to sneak 'East of Eden' (1952) by American writer John Steinbeck into my luggage. Just one extra book. I don't intend onto finish this while I'm away, but it would be a tragedy to be without a novel on my return journey!

I've been recommended this book by a former colleague and borrowed a copy off my mum (who also enjoyed it), so it looks promising for what Steinbeck called his 'magnum opus - his greatest novel.  Steinbeck stated "it has everything in it I have been able to learn about my craft or profession in all these years." I look forward to it!

I'm leaving early tomorrow morning, hence my weekly blog post is on a Thursday instead of a Friday. I'll see you in two Fridays time!

If you get bored in my absence, why not visit my travel blog? This blog is published every Monday, including while I'm away, so take a look! 

Recent posts include:

My Travel Life Story - in 150 words!
11 British Tourist Spots You Should Not Mispronounce 
How to find a Novel Set in the Country You're Visiting

Happy reading, writing and traveling, whatever you're doing in the next week or two - see you on the other side!

Lou x

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I’m a normally a keen reader, but recently I’ve gone right off it. If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you might be aware I’m six months into my 30 Before 30 challenge. One of the challenges I need to complete for this is to ‘read the top 5 books of all time’. I originally thought this would be one of the easier tasks to finish (compared to 'drive a tractor' and 'make fresh pasta'), but no; the books listed by The Guardian are so awfully dull and difficult due to the old English language used, that I am really struggling. I am losing the will to read faster than I can finish these slow-going classics.

The current tome I am tackling is “Tom Jones” by Henry Fielding. It’s over 400 pages long, but the sheer size didn’t put me off. I’ve read “Shantaram” and “The Book Thief” in the past, and enjoyed both immensely, despite them being wrist-achingly large in volume. “Tom Jones” is very different. Fielding introduces a lot of characters very quickly who I felt no empathy for, and I can barely tell apart (I'm thinking of the three old male friends of Mr Allworthy, plotting for power, land and family ties). The text is also hard-going, and even though I’m over 80 pages into the novel I really doubt I’m going to finish it. I hope I do, for the sake of The Challenge, but if it wasn’t for that, honestly, I would have quit on page ten, fifteen at best.

However, a book I recently won through a Twitter competition has brought me back into the light. This book is by the Scottish writer Iain Banks, who passed away in June of this year. It’s called “The Quarry” and I had been gazing at it perched on my windowsill (with several others on my ‘To Read’ list) with a sense of want for a few weeks. Needing a break from the dreaded “Tom Jones”, I finally caved in and started reading “The Quarry” this week. It’s given me the relief I’ve needed. Banks gives good voice to the characters in the (at times) humorous and realistic dialogue. I love the distinct and well-developed character profiles, and they are, as a result, incredibly easy to picture together as a group of friends. There’s a compelling premise to the story, and 'The Quarry' proved to be a page turner from the outset.

Iain Banks has reminded me I love to read. I’m not surprised there’s been an asteroid named after Iain Banks. His writing is ... ready?!... out of this world.

Lou x

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Images courtesy of List and Metro

I'm leaving for Costa Rica and Panama in less than 11 hours and I have packed. I have been immunised. I have my diary to record amazing memories. 

All I had left to do this week was to choose a book to take with me.

It took time. 

It took four phone calls to the only local book store I have, which is the same place where stock control is Neolithic. 

I drove 20 miles.

It cost me twice as much in store than if I'd bought it on Amazon a week ago, planning in advance. 

But I know I'll love it. 

DEARLY DEVOTED DEXTER - Jeff Lindsay

As you can imagine, a holiday read is crucial to get right. You might be stuck with this novel and none other for a fortnight. This one has been carefully selected as an unchallenging but engaging read I can depend on. I loved the first in the Dexter book series and I ADORE the TV series, so book two will hopefully not be wasted backpack space. 

Have a great couple of weeks - doubtful I'll blog while I'm away (not sure how much internet I'll have), but stay safe and keep writing!

Lou x

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April is month of blogging A-Z for 26 days. #AprilBlogChallenge Check it out! 

** F is for FIVE books **

---------------------------------

As a writer, I am often asked who my favourite writers are. My default is Audrey Niffenegger as 'The Time Travellers Wife' is one of my favourites of all time, but I have developed a better answer than this.

These are the five books which have most inspired me. 

REBECCA - DAPHNE DU MAURIER

This book inspired me to read a wider range of genres. I was recommended it by a friend, and was a little wary... I have not enjoyed historical fiction or classics in the past, but I thought I'd give it a go. 

I was glued from page one, with that famous opening. 

“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” 

The story took turns I didn't expect, and the change in genre by Du Maurier from romance to a ghost story was inspirational to me as a writer. It is very well written and I'd recommend it on, paying it forward, to anyone. It's in my top 10. 

TRAVELS ON MY ELEPHANT - MARK SHAND

Mark Shand's book was given to me as a gift from an ex boyfriend from years ago. He knew my favourite animal was elephants and knew I liked reading, so this gift was perfect! 

It's an easy read, interesting and humourous in parts. I loved it. The book certainly fuelled my love for the beautiful beasts, and last January I got the chance to work with elephants in South Africa. A dream come true, and encourage in part by this great book. 

THE HELP - KATHRYN STOCKETT

'The Help' again, inspired me as a writer. The main character, Skeeter, is a strong woman who works hard for a cause she believes in. I am a passionate person about a couple of subjects, and I would love to find a serious job writing for a living. 

This book is another of my top 10 favourite books. Inspiring, awareness-raising, sad yet heart-warming. 

Plus, Skeeter proves curly hair and glasses is gorgeous. 

SUCCESSFUL NOVEL PLOTTING - Jean Saunders

Back in 2008 I decided to take writing more seriously and joined a writers's group in Milton Keynes. 'Speakeasy', the group based in MK, had a guest speaker the first night I attended, a writer called Jean Saunders. 

She said she'd written hundreds of books but I'd never heard of her.... She was a great speaker, encouraging, friendly, talented and celebrated. Jean was selling copies of these books that evening and reading it over the next couple of weeks inspired me to move my writing up to the next level and write THAT book. 

Her Fearful Symmetry - Audrey Niffenegger

This book, by my favourite writer, inspired me to take a day trip to London - today, in fact! I met with two friends from school who now live in London and we visited Highgate Cemetery. 

Highgate Cemetery was opened in 1839 and it features in the modern contemporary story written by  Ms. Niffenegger. The twins in the book have a flat which looks out over the cemetery. I was intrigued to visit, and it was worth it. The three of us girls had a lovely day out and the weather was the best we've had this year yet!





That's it from me and the A to Z Challenge today. I'm lucky I've managed to post today as I moved house yesterday and had to work out the wireless in the new place. Don't forget, tomorrow is Sunday which we A to Z bloggers don't post on. 

See you Monday!

Lou x

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This week I am inviting Lawrence Fisher to talk to us. We "met" on one social media outlet or another and I thought I'd grab him and his wise words for my blog. He's a dating-themed novelist and there's a convenient crossover between the two of us, as you could imagine! I hope the following is useful to you, fellow writers.

-----

Hi Lawrence, thanks for joining me this afternoon. 

Can you describe your book for us - what genre would you classify it into?

My book "Kill Me Now" is all about my exploits, escapades and narrow escapes I had while doing what others have done before me; meaning to find that one lady who I will allow to make my life a living hell. Despite the fact that some of the dates were true terror, I would definitely classify this as humour.

How did you come up with the idea for the book?

It was a nice spring evening when I met, Ms Motor Mouth. Young Lawrence (ok, young at heart...) shaved, showered and perfumed himself up to meet Ms Motor Mouth, who was a blind date, bestowed upon him by a match maker. Yes, yes, you heard it, a match maker. Read my book for sordid details of the awfulness of this period. 

So I met Motor for coffee and for the better part of two hours, she did not stop talking. The poor waiter was standing next to her waiting for her to order while she went on and on. The only thing I knew about her soliloquy was that she was complaining about her job. Not explaining, but complaining. Should I have charged her $200 for therapy? 

My mind wondered and wandered and I looked up to the heavens for release. Scotty was not available, but the title was born. Thanks Ms Motor Mouth.

When and why did you begin writing?

When I was three! I picked up a pencil and started writing. I was so far advanced in my language skills that to this day no one has broke the hidden code behind my prose. I am sure that is how the Da Vinci code started out. Maybe in a hundred years some genius named Suineg will say “Hey, there is a pattern in this. Let us decipher this.” 

Perhaps I should have been a secret agent. Maybe I replace Daniel Craig as the next James Bond? Maybe I am just dreaming.

Who is you favourite character in the book? 

I would have to say that my favourite character is obviously the person I know best. I know this guy very very well. Well at least I think I do. Yes, I am sure I do. I have never met him before, but I do see him every day when I shave. It is yours truly!

The second best character would have to be my best friend, Ed. I have known him for three decades. He keeps telling me that I am nuts. Why go out on dates and come and tell him about them. He is married and has this doomed look in his eyes. He told me once that if I ever get married he would first kill himself and then kill me. I am not sure how he intends to do that because if he kills himself, he will be dead and therefore not be able to kill me. But what do I know?

What was the hardest part of writing the book?

The research was both the hardest and the most fun. By research I meant going on dates. But it makes it sound as if I went on dates only for research. That is not true. The date only made it into the book if it turned out that she was worthy of a mention, such as one woman who threatened to kill me.

I can sympathise with you there! I met some truly contemptible and amazingly ridiculous people on my dates! 

So did you design the covers of the book yourself? 

I had a graphic designer do it. We discussed it together. The book is supposed to show that I as a male know nothing about women. I do not understand them and I am not afraid to say so. There are signals and hints that are sent out that women think are understood but they are not. If I understood those signals I would either be a woman myself or effeminate. So the poor guy on the cover, offering flowers, has no idea why his woman's so angry.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned a lot. Writing is a lot of fun. I also learned that what you say can and will be used against you.

What are your current projects?  We all want to know when your next book coming out!

I am currently working on book two and three of the “Kill Me Now!” trilogy. I am not sure when the sequel will be out as I am still looking for stories. Any reader want to send me a story that I can adopt as my own? The book will be called “How I didn’t meet your mother”.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing? 

"Prefer" has nothing to do with it as it has to be when I come up with an idea. Believe it or not that normally happens when I am on the toilet. That is why my trusty iPhone is with me.

I love that play on words - 'How I Met Your Mother' is one of my favourite TV shows! 

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to readers?

Yes. Take the line from the Jackie Chan remake of Karate Kid “When life knocks you down, you can chose whether to get up or not.”

Quick-fire questions:

ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover? Paperbacks

Cats or dogs? Dogs, either golden cocker spaniels or golden retrievers

Coffee or tea? Coffee!!!!

Favourite food? Cheese cake!

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?  Chocolate!!!!!

What are 4 things you never leave home without? My keys, my iPhone, my shoes and my wits.

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you any why? Anne Hathaway because she has the best smile and…, and Superman so that he can fly Anne and I away. But why would anyone desert me on an Island?

Which is your all-time favourite song (only one song please)? 

My Way - Frank Sinatra!

Thanks for joining us on the blog this week - all the best for your book and future challenges on the page and over dinner 'n' drinks!

-----

You can find out more about Lawrence and his writing here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbigfoot

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KMNow

Blog: http://killmenow.org/blog 

Take a look - he won't bite! Until next time...

Lou x

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