Trembling Madness and Speculation
Made Glorious Summer by This Sun of York
Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation. They deepen and widen and expand our sense of life: They feed the soul… It's like singing on a boat during a terrible storm at sea. You can't stop the raging storm, but singing can change the hearts and spirits of the people who are together on that ship.
-Anne Lamott
Hello there,
Thank you to Cher for sending in that quote which is an excerpt from a longer piece. I love the way the writer equates writing and reading with a sense of togetherness and hopefulness. This is something that we keen readers know instinctively.
If I could bring about a simple, achievable change in the world, it would be to bring the love of reading and writing to as many people as possible. Reading fiction encourages empathy and writing helps us to know ourselves. It makes us better people.
Back when I was teaching, I worked hard at this, and there must be many children for whom I exist in memory only as ‘that bloke who read us stories‘. I’ll take it. Maybe those ex-pupils will read to their own children and the ripple effect will go on.
For my US friends who celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you had a great day. Gratitude is a wonderful thing.
We’re racing towards Christmas, and Mrs C and I will be in the festive spirit on Sunday when we take part in a Santa Dash, running through the streets of Exeter in a Santa costume in aid of charity.
My last running event was in York, a 10 miler, hence the York references in the subject, and there are some photos below. I love York, and since I grew up about 25 miles from it, I’ve been fairly often. The photos are below but first a word of thanks.
Thank you!
I’m raising a mug of Yorkshire Tea to this lovely recent supporter: Lisa. And a special thank you to regular supporters Lara and Alonza.
Cheers!
If you’d like to join these fine people who send mugs of tea from around the world, here’s a handy button:
Featured Photos
Three ways to enjoy the photos: a collage in the email (not the best as they get cropped), separate images in the substack app, an interactive gallery in the online post.
Old and new, the sublime to the ridiculous.
Old chocolate factory buildings by the river are now apartments.
There was some kind of missile in this shiny new office building. I don't know why.
York Minster, grand as always.
The running race HQ at York University.
Me eyeing up the starting line.
A gate in the city walls.
Speculation going on.
This way to Trembling Madness Apartments, apparently.
Street scene at night when we went for a post-race celebratory pizza. It was very good.
Book News
The first draft of the next Devonshire Mystery is done, and the rewrite is underway. I’ve gone through 28 chapters this week, and it’s holding up pretty well. I am making lots of notes to help me remember all the things I have to check again, especially when it comes to clues. It’s a lot to hold in my head all at once, but I will get there. With a bit of luck, I might be asking for beta readers before Christmas.
In other bookish news, my books are now appearing on other retailers, so you’ll find them on Kobo and Kobo+ (a cool subscription service), Nook, Apple, Google Play, Smashwords, and more, plus library services such as overdrive and borrowbox etc.
Also, my shop is back in action for ebooks as well as paperbacks. Buying direct from an author is a great way to support them. Cut out the retailers and the author benefits.
My shop is at mcamplingbooks.com, but here’s a handy button:
The Podcast
I recorded another episode, indoors this time as it was pouring down outside. You can see all the available episodes, along with links to listen on other platforms, at:
vipreaders.substack.com/podcast
What’s Next?
When finish the rewrite of the next mystery I will assess where we are. Meanwhile, I’ll be publishing more of my titles on my own shop and on all retailers. I hope to sell some signed copies, special editions and some custom items such as signed bookplates. It struck me that I could occasionally give away some of these items, but I have to think about time and cost.
Is there some kind of special item you would like to own? Any ideas welcome on the chat - link below:
Over to You
Signing Off
I seem to have gone on long enough for one day, so I’ll sign off. I hope you have a lovely weekend and find some time for reading.
Stay well and take care,
Mikey
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