Hello!
As you can imagine, I'm a bit of a grammar geek, and love nothing more than discovering the etymology of interesting words.
This week I have been on tenterhooks (the reason for which I will share in a moment) but it got me wondering where the expression comes from: that feeling of suspense or waiting nervously for something to happen.
It's fascinating: in the 19th century, tenters were wooden frames on which wet wool was hooked and tightly stretched while it dried outdoors. And so it's easy to see where the expression came from: to be 'on tenterhooks', metaphorically speaking, is to be held as taut as the wool.
Well, I've been on tenterhooks waiting to see the cover of my next book. I should get a sneak peek next week, and will be able to share the big cover and title reveal to you and the rest of the world at the beginning of February.
The book will be going up for preorder soon after that, and the release date is still scheduled for Tuesday 23 April - St George's Day here in the UK.
I'm also waiting to see if my new publishers, Bookouture, like the two book ideas I pitched to them a couple of weeks ago.
Keep your fingers crossed for me!
After a busy Christmas and a quieter New Year, January has been a month of Getting Things Done. I have published a second edition of one of my pony books, complete with a fab new cover, and have been working through the copy edits and proofread of my second Bookouture thriller, which is due out in July.
I've also been thinking about my goals for 2024, which include writing AT LEAST two new psych thrillers, having a go at writing a psych thriller short story and getting more involved in thriller reader groups on Facebook.
If you're in any FB thriller groups, do let me know, as I would love to join!
You might also be able to help me with my last goal of 2024 - to increase my followers on Instagram to 1,000. I currently have 936, so only another 64 to go!
I'm on Instagram most days. Here's just a few of my recent posts...
I'm @ajmcdineauthor over on Instagram. I would love to see you there!
In other news, the boys have both gone back to university so it's just me and Adrian at home, and once again we find ourselves outnumbered by cats!
Charlie the kitten is growing up fast and is such a character I can't imagine the place without him. He is probably the most affectionate AND the naughtiest cat I have ever owned.
His favourite place to sleep is in his bed on my desk, but it's a case of first come, first served, as all three like it there. And the other day that's where they were. There wasn't much room for me, as you can see!
It's lovely to have company while I'm writing and I wouldn't have it any other way!
That's all from me for now. Hopefully when I'm next in touch I'll have a brand new cover to show you.
Until then, happy reading!
Amanda