Hello,
Since I last wrote I have been deep in the edits of the new book, working out whether the story hangs together, what works... and what doesn't!
Although I was pretty happy with the main bulk of the story, I feared that my original ending relied on a few too many coincidences to be entirely credible, and so I decided to totally rewrite the last few scenes.
It was definitely the right decision and the book will be much stronger for it. I now have just the final scene to rewrite. It's a dramatic one, so I hope I can do it justice!
I have been helped along by little Luna, who sleeps in a bed on my desk.
She is definitely fulfilling her role as writer's cat and I love having her company during the long hours I spend staring aimlessly at my computer screen.
So, I wanted to tell you a little bit about the setting for the new book.
When She Finds You and Should Have Known Better were both set in Kent, my home county, and I wanted Book 3 to be based here, too.
After much deliberating, I eventually settled on Fordwich, which is famous for being the smallest town in Britain.
Although it has a population of less than 400, Fordwich has its own town council - and two pubs!
Sadly I haven't been able to visit either of them for essential research purposes because of lockdown.
So when I dragged Adrian along for a fact-finding research trip before Christmas, we had to make do with a flask of coffee and some chocolate biscuits.
Full of old-world charm, Fordwich is only a couple of miles from the cathedral city of Canterbury and lies on the banks of the River Stour.
Which - without giving away any spoilers - is why I chose it!
Listed in the Domesday book, Fordwich was used as a port for boats on their way to Canterbury in the Middle Ages.
In fact, all the Caen stone used by the Normans to build Canterbury Cathedral in the 12th and 13th centuries was landed there.
All in all this tiny town is the perfect setting for the new book.
In other news, I am delighted to announce that W.F. Howes Ltd, the UK’s leading audiobook publisher, has acquired the audio rights to Should Have Known Better.
The audiobook should be out later this year. I can't wait to hear Kate and Chloe's story brought to life!
Stay safe and thanks for taking an interest in my books. I really appreciate it!
Happy reading!
Amanda