Hello!
I hope you're surviving the summer so far. As I type this, we're gearing up for another heatwave, and the world is going mad...so what July-joy can I share with you this month?
Well...
'The Library of War and Peace' takes another step closer to publication, with the arrival of the page proofs. For those of you new to writing, page proofs are the penultimate stage of a book's journey, and it's where the author gets to check for any errors, grammatical mistakes, anything like that... one last time. A proofreader from Penguin, and also my dear mum, will be checking through the manuscript alongside me (as multiple sets of eyes are always better than one), but the onus is really on me to make sure the book is as ready and mistake-free as possible. It's always an exciting but nerve-wracking time, and I'll be glad when it's over!
'The Library of War and Peace' will be out in early 2026, and I'll keep you posted on its journey...
More joyous news: next month sees the launch of a new writing school that my fellow author friend, Francesco Sarti, and I have created, in partnership with Goldfinch Books.
Our first free workshop will be held online on Sunday 3rd August, with Alice Fowler. Alice is an award-winning writer of short stories and longer fiction. Her debut short story collection, 'The Truth Has Arms and Legs', was published in July 2023 by Fly On The Wall Press. She's won the Historical Writers’ Association short story competition and the Wells Festival of Literature short story prize, with listings in many others. Alice also writes historical novels, exploring identity, rivalry and the boundaries between friendship and love. www.alicefowlerauthor.com.
Alice's workshop - "Take the leap – starting with short stories" - is for all writers, but especially those starting out. Short stories can be the ideal form – they’re fun to write, and a great way to experiment and develop style and voice. In this encouraging workshop, we’ll consider what makes a good story, including pace, character and where to start (and end). Bring your ideas and enthusiasm – leave with the outline of a story to develop further.
Francesco and I have many more free sessions lined up in the months to come, with subjects ranging from How to Write Fiction (all the different genres, including crime, psychological thrillers, historical, horror, contemporary, and all the rest); Writing Non-Fiction; and How to Write Real Life and Memoirs; to Social Media for Authors; How to get Published; How to Write Flash Fiction; What Happens after the Book Deal; Entering Writing Competitions; and Public Speaking for Authors.
For more details, email me on lou@goldfinch-books.com
Congratulations to June's book giveaway winner - Maggie F.
This month's giveaway is a paperback copy of 'Great-Uncle Harry' by Michael Palin.
Great-Uncle Harry is an utterly compelling account of an ordinary man who led an extraordinary life. A blend of biography, history, travelogue and personal memoir this is Michael Palin at his very finest.
To be in with a chance of winning this book, all you have to do is tell me what you're reading this month. I will choose a winner at random at the end of July.
Good luck!
In case you don't know, the audio book of 'Women of War' is now available, narrated by Amy Noble. I think Amy's done a wonderful job of bringing Edie and Lucinda's story to life. Click here for a sample
'Women of War' is available to buy now - ideally from an indie bookshop like
https://www.goldfinch-books.com/
The kindle version is also available here and the audio version here.
If you like the story, please consider leaving a review somewhere for other potential readers to discover...and THANK YOU!
Events coming up:
Saturday 12 July – Winchester ARC – I'm running an Author Workshop with Hampshire Writers’ Society, on the subject of Psychic Distance and How to Write Dialogue. There are only one or two places left, so if you're interested please email inquiries@hampshirewriterssociety.co.uk
Monday 14th July – Filoxenia Virtual Book Club – I'm talking about my journey to becoming an author and how the Female Secret Agents of SOE inspired me to write my debut, 'Operation Moonlight'.
Friday 25th July – I'm interviewing Claire Lynch about her debut novel, 'A Family Matter', at Windsor Library. Tickets here.
Saturday 26th July – I'm talking about the Female Secret Agents of SOE at Maidenhead Library. Tickets here.
Wednesday 30th July – Stubbington & Hill Head W.I. – I'm talking about 'Operation Moonlight' and the Female Secret Agents of SOE.
Our free Charm Writing group at Goldfinch Books continues - all word-wranglers warmly welcome. We meet on the last Thursday of the month, from 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm. Check the Goldfinch Books website for the dates.
By the way, I give regular author talks. If you know of any groups who might be interested in booking me, please do email me on louise@louisemorrish.com
3 books I've enjoyed this month:
'Helm' by Sarah Hall - This novel blew me away! It's not out yet, but I was lucky enough to read a proof, and I LOVED it! Here's the blurb: Helm is a ferocious, mischievous wind - a subject of folklore and wonder, who has blasted the sublime landscape of the Eden Valley since the very dawn of time.
This is Helm's life story, formed from the chronicles of those the wind enchanted: the Neolithic tribe who tried to placate it, the Dark Age wizard priest who wanted to banish it, the Victorian steam engineer who attempted to capture it. But now Dr Selima Sutar, surrounded by measuring instruments, alone in her observation hut, fears the end is nigh.
Rich, wild and vital, Helm is the elemental tale of a unique life force - and of a relationship: between nature and people, neither of whom can weather life without the other.
'The Stone Bride' by Sally Gardner - This historical novel takes an unusual and little known aspect of history - wife sales in the 18th century!! - and weaves a page-turning tale of one couple's journey to find true love. I read this in proof form, and I think it will be very popular when it's published soon. One to watch out for!
'Book Love' by Debbie Tung - This graphic novel was a total joy, and 100 % spoke to my heart. It's about a girl who loves books. That's it. If you're a booklover, you'll love this, I promise.
I'd love to hear what you're reading...email me on louise@louisemorrish.com and we can chat all things books...
Bye for now!
Lou x
Buy Operation Moonlight here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Operation-Moonlight-Louise-Morrish-ebook/dp/B09DSPWQW5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1699514805&sr=8-1