I've almost finished this weird and wonderful book called Owl in Love by Patrice Kindl.

Lined up next I have a couple of YA books by fellow SCWBI writers: Minty by Christina Banach and Marvin's Curse by Debra J Edwards.

​Love it, love it, love it!

I've just done a whirlwind tour of Sheffield Libraries. If you missed seeing me there my next talk/workshop this summer is:

WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST AT SCARBOROUGH JUNIOR LIBRARY AT 2PM

​Hope to see you then!

Don't let me tell you why you should buy Jarred Dreams as a birthday present for a child you know - just let Josie's reaction do it for you....

I was so thrilled to see this picture, then I saw the next one and had to ask for the mum's permission to share them both. Aren't they great?! You can buy your own personalised copy by clicking on the buy books tab at the top of the site and I will do my best to post the book out to you the next day.

Jo Franklin's tips on becoming a successful children's writer - funny and true. In fact I am actually writing this in a raggedy old pair of PJs!

At the moment I am reading one of Candy Gourlay's books.

This one is called 'Shine' and is about a girl living on an island where everyone is superstitious and it never stops raining. I'm enjoying it very much because it is completely unpredictable and the style changes all the time keeping you on your toes. One minute it feels quite fairytale like, with old folk tales thrown in, then it is modern with social media style teenage chat. There is another voice too, in the background telling a different story that links in somehow....good read, would recommend it.

Candy Gourlay is the most hardworking writer I have ever met. She is an inspiration to us all, travels all over the world talking to LOADS of children from all kinds of backgrounds. She does lots of volunteering to help writers like me who are still finding their way and she is very funny. Her website is full to bursting with lots of stuff and there is a piece on there all about how Shine has been nominated for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize. If you are looking for a new YA author you might want to check out her books.

Before you ask....no, she isn't paying me for this post!

Before Shine I read Sarah Crossman's 'One'. I'm sure I don't need to tell you about this book. It is everywhere and I am so glad. It is great when a book that deserves to get praise and attention receives it. If you've not read it and fancy something sad but beautiful then get this book out of the library.

It is the holidays so before 'One' I read Maggie O'Farrell's new book: 'This Must Be The Place'. She is probably my all time favourite adult fiction writer (after Margaret Atwood). The book was great but Esme Lennox is still better IMHO.

I have also read a terrible thriller which I won't tell you about as I don't think negative reviewing is fair but I mention it to show that I will give most things a go. I did plough on until the bitter end and was left feeling disappointed and frustrated by it. 

Final note - as you know I don't officially review and recommend books or writers....I'm just letting you know what I am reading in case you are interested. If you are looking for a blog that recommends and reviews books, perhaps for school or for a book group I would encourage you to check this out: ​bibliomaniacuk.blogspot.co.uk

That's all folks!