All the Best to You and Yours
Wintry Greetings from Devon
“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”
—C.S. Lewis
Hello there,
Thank you to Donna for sending that quote to me - I think it resonates with all book lovers, although I imagine there are plenty who’d substitute the tea with something else.
Funnily enough, I came across the same quote recently when I was scouring the web for inspiration. I was hunting for bookplates and bookmarks and any other items that book lovers might like. I want to offer a few nice items on my online shop, and it occurred to me that I can ship a signed bookplate much more easily than a signed book, especially when it comes to international shipping.
I began looking around, and I stumbled onto etsy. If you’re short on time, don't do this.
Etsy is an online marketplace for a wide range of crafty items, many handmade, and I spent a lot longer than I should have perusing the wares. The above C.S. Lewis quote was printed on some bookplates, and I was tempted to buy some, but in the end I decided that I want to offer something unique and personal. Still, the research gave me some ideas.
Similarly, I’m looking at hardbacks and special editions. This was another rabbit hole of research, but quite fun.
Like many projects, the special editions and merchandise will now have to wait until after Christmas. My festive preparations are rather hurried and last minute this year. This is mainly because I really wanted to finish the 2nd draft of the next Devonshire Mystery before Christmas, and it’s quite a long book.
Reader, I did it.
More in the Book news section below.
Moving on, I’m sending you a selection of wintry photos, and there’s also a link to the new section of bonus content on our substack. There are quite a few pieces of artwork you can use as wallpapers on your computers and so on - some that I made a while ago and some brand new.
The photos and artwork are below, but first a word of thanks.
Thank you!
I’m raising a mug of Twinings Everyday Tea to this lovely recent supporter: Carmen. And a special thank you to regular supporters Lara and Alonza. Cheers!
To join these fine people in sending a mug of tea, please use this handy button:
Featured Photos
Three ways to enjoy the photos: a collage in the email, separate images in the substack app, an interactive gallery in the online post.
(Left to Right, Top to Bottom)
Ross-on-Wye market hall
Yarn bombing on a pillar box - Ross-on-Wye
View from my writing room
View from our house showing the strange tree that looks like a giant
Me in Newton Abbot by the clocktower
View of the Teign Valley
Our little village
Another Teign Valley view
Lovely old houses in Exeter
Artwork Just for You
There are two collections of wallpapers at the moment: one with a Devonshire Mystery and one with a Sci-Fi theme. All the content is free for everyone. I plan to add more content in future, but in the meantime, I hope you enjoy what’s already there.
Book News
The next Devonshire Mystery is now ready for a polish, and there will be a beta reading opportunity next month. I’ll let you know what that involves in plenty of time.
I was pretty pleased with how the story turned out, but there was one worry I had concerning the ending — probably the most important part of a mystery. I decided to set the manuscript aside over the holiday, and wouldn’t you know it? A better ending struck me the very next day (while I was brushing my teeth).
In a case of life imitating art, there’s a part of the book, just before the end, when Alan tells Dan that when he’s stuck on a plot point, he takes a step back, has a break and approaches the problem from a different angle. And he was right! Good old Alan.
Maybe Alan’s approach will help me come up with a title, because I don't mind confessing that I’m stuck. Something will turn up.
My Bookshop
A quick reminder that you can buy a growing number of my paperbacks and ebooks direct from me, and this supports me in a very positive way. Look for mcamplingbooks.com or use the button below:
Valley of Lies - Free on Kobo until December 22
The ebook of Valley of Lies is free on Kobo, but not for much longer:
What’s Next?
Well, the tree (a living one this year) still needs to be set up, the mince pies and a cake need to be made (plus I usually make my own mincemeat) and there’s lots of other food to be made. I see the kitchen in my future, and lots of washing up, so I’d better get to it.
Over to You
I popped a greeting on our chat, so please feel free to reply by clicking below:
Signing Off
It’s that time of year when a lot of us get a bit harried, but it’s also a time when we think of others and many people are very generous and kind. In that spirit, I hope you keep safe and well over the coming days. If you’re lucky enough to be sharing time with family, friends and loved ones I hope you enjoy it.
Season’s greetings, look after yourselves and each other,
Mikey
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Thank you! Happy Holidays for you and your family! Bonnie