Tag: Exeter

Pause for Spring

It’s been a busy start to the year with writing, painting, and various associated events, as well as sorting out the rest of the year’s calendar. And it’s been lovely to catch those snippets of early spring sunshine, for a breath of fresh air and a wander out into the local surrounds.

While Mia hangs out in one of her favourite spots,

The nearby bluebells are out and the magnolia is blooming.

All looked on by the highlight of Tin Lane: the wonderfully, mosaiced Loft Club.

The occasional trip to the beach for a blast of sea air, preferably when it’s quiet and the sound of lapping waves is pretty much all you can hear.

Or a peaceful early evening wander around the park, catching gorgeous trees in their best light.

Not forgetting the local wildlife.

And on the subject of outings, a recent day trip to the town of Totnes is worth a mention. Nestled between Dartmoor and the south Devon coastline, I’ve long loved this Bohemian market town:

All this, set atop a riverbank.

Not that you need an excuse to visit Totnes, but a friend was exhibiting some of her gorgeous pottery, along with a group who paint and create inspired by the granite line on Dartmoor.

And last but by no means least, actually before spring sprung, we were visited by the moon at Exeter cathedral, and what a spectacle it was. We were certainly honoured to be on route for this globe-trotting phenomenon, 7-metre, scaled representation created by the artist, Luke Jerram.

And finally it’s back to work:

Keep reaching for the moon!!

Wishing everyone a good week ahead.

xx

 

Happy New Year 2022!!

New Year’s Eve was a day for tying up loose ends, making plans, visiting friends, and a quick trip to one of my favourite places in Exeter: the quay.

   

 

The streets were quiet, but the late-night skies were ablaze with fireworks. Now ever-so-slightly-bleary eyed and time to reflect.

2021 has been a memorable year in more ways than one. I was super proud to be able to release The Warder, Blood Gift Chronicles Book 2, and to receive Firebird Awards for both Return of the Mantra (winner of LGBTQ fiction category) and The Warder (winner of YA fiction category). Click here for my award interview.

Like its predecessor, The Warder was a labour of love over many years, and it’s great to hear from readers who have got in touch or listened at various on-line and in-person events this year.

“The Warder is the sequel to one of my favourite books of 2018, Return of the Mantra. I wasn’t sure Susie would be able to increase the enthusiasm I had for her characters and her world, but she left me reeling after a couple of pages.”

“The way Susie was able to expand her world without slowing down the narrative was a masterclass in worldbuilding.”

‘This book is a charming story of loss, love and finding yourself in the most unexpected places. It is epic fantasy with a heart that will leave you scarred but begging for me. Plus it has dragons and who doesn’t love dragons. I can’t wait to return to this world.”

Click here for full review.

I couldn’t wait to return to the world either, and have been immersed in book 3, working towards the conclusion of the overarching story that connects these three books. Tying up loose ends is hugely satisfying, while further developing the landscapes of the world, complete with new characters and familiar faces at the next stage of their lives. With colour, depth, texture and layers, I’m excited to get back to the writing.

For now a pause as we tip into January, complete with a fresh new diary just waiting to be filled.

I love this time of year, these moments of calm after the busyness of Xmas, the quiet after fireworks to consider possibilities for the year ahead.

Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy, Peaceful, Creative, Wonderful New Year 2022!!

Festive Lights

Blood Gift Chronicles Book 3 is well underway. I look forward to giving a writing update in the new year, but for now I thought I would take a pause in my working day to share some local festive cheer. It was just a quick trip this year, tagged on to a shopping day, but it’s always a treat to soak up the ambience of Exeter Xmas market, complete with the cathedral looming in the background providing a wonderfully gothic feel.

Then on to spot the decorated trees on-route, since no trip would be complete without a visit to the annual charity tree display – a wonderful reminder of the great work of our local charities.

For the Xmas light display we went further afield with a trip to Powderham castle, armed with mugs of peppermint tea and chocolate brownies to snack on. With the whole castle and gardens lit up like a Xmas tree, it was an impressive display.

But perhaps the star of the show were three orphaned lambs wearing Xmas jumpers, tucked away in the grounds of the secret garden, unfazed by ogling visitors looking to catch that perfect Xmas card shot.

For now it’s back to work, but in the meantime…

Wishing everyone a very Merry Xmas

Happy Holidays, and a

Happy, Healthy, Peaceful New Year 

xxx

 

Exeter Lights 2020

For Exeter’s annual Charity Christmas Tree Festival, it’s business as usual. This year sees 30 real Christmas trees decorated by local charities, on display at Princesshay’s Roman Walk to help raise awareness during the festive period. It was a treat to catch a break in the downpours, for a socially distanced meet up with friends, to take in the sights of Exeter’s lights, and admire the handcrafted decorations of the charity trees. A reminder to think of others, and to appreciate what we have.

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