- By Admin
The Life and Times of An Author
R.M. Howe is an author, living in the Lake District, whose latest book, “Azalea and I – On the Road” sold fast on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats and is now re-launched by LR Price Publishers. Also in Waterstones. “Azalea and I – On the Road” is a light-reading novel, following two ladies as they romp across Europe in a chase of murder, mystery, suspense and comedy. The book has been described as a “refreshing read” and as we learn more about the author, we can understand how the characters of Barbara and Azalea from the book are influenced by the authors own life, experiences and the land around her, wherever she may be…..Roberta, our author, gives us a sneak preview into the life and times of an author……
“Anyone who is doing the same, don’t give up!
Perseverance is the only way and patience — LOADS of patience. Then some more. Maxing out the credit cards is one way forward with blood, sweat, tears and good friends. They might not buy your book, but you can bend theirs ears when it is not going according to plan – which is most of the time!
Anyway, my week in the Lake District – Gorgeous sunny autumn weather. Sheep are back down from the fells and back in fields, much to my dog Rosie’s delight. As an ex-working dog, she wants to round them up, but farmers don’t see it this way. She got the sack when she would only work for 20 mins at a time – no matter what. Then it was back to the warm farm shed. Fortunately, I saw her job-advert for a “post as a pet”. She is doing well in her new “job”; Hogs the bed, eats the cat food – as well as her own – and when she goes to the pub, she has her front paws on the bar asking for her snacks from the snack bag.
I have been to work in the local stately home, giving out endless information, which is a pleasure to do, as it is a learning curve in history. Visitors ask questions which you hadn’t thought of, so off you have to trot to find the answer. How people used to live is fascinating – e.g. why would a comfy chair be low to the ground and very long to the back of the seat? Well, obviously to accommodate a lady’s bustle and restrictive skirt. Snippets of life are wonderful but more another time. In a stately home you get lovely comments such as, “stunning, warm homely atmosphere, elegant, fabulous, wonderful antiques —– ” etc, then I came across this one ” It’s right banging mate”. Hmmmmmmm.
I have now moved to an industrial town about half an hour away. Quite a culture shock. Good and bad but interesting. Twenty four hour services of all kinds. People use taxis like buses so drink driving should not be an issue. A ship building town the docks have a unique atmosphere – secrecy with the nuclear submarines and excitement with all the technical equipment filled super sized sheds several stories high and taking up square miles of space. The people are so friendly it is worth commenting on. Unfortunately when football matches are on a certain section can’t form a sentence without swearing and shouting. The F word is the favourite – sadly. Still, The Lakes had many rude tourists!!! I speak as I have found and continue to find.
And so to thoughts of Spain, oh so warm and sunny. People still on beaches. I remember being in T-shirt and shorts in December though it is not guaranteed.
I have had the pleasure this week of including a dear friend in my next “Azalea” book. I worked for him on a large finca (estate) and we have remained in touch. I visit when I can. The finca had whirlpools, above ground swimming pools and then fires for the winter which we would also install and provide the fuel. Then after some Spanish mañana attitudes of delivery of said goods, clashed with the English and German ideas of efficiency. Sadly, this leads to a downturn in business and the next phase — RABBITS……but maybe I’ll talk about that another time….”