Character in distress

As you may know, I have been writing a new book, based on real life. The characters are strong and the storyline is flowing well, however last night something happened that will change my work schedule over the next few months.

A character came to me, so in distress and desperate that I tell her tale, that I am compelled to put aside the current book, to enable me to write this new story. This isn't a new phenomenon to me. Sometimes characters are so desperate to be heard that they will interrupt my sleep or my waking moments until I take heed of them. I could see from the off that Prudence was going to be one of those.

So what's she like? Well she's strong but surprisingly sweet of nature. And she's very much in love. But she's also in grave danger...

I'll keep you posted on her progress!

Happy Reading!

October 5th

Oops I was supposed to announce this before... [been a little distracted of late] so here it is:-

Wednesday 5th October I will be at The Hive in Worcester where they are having a Space Night, 5-8pm.

There are lots of great things happening and I will be there to talk about my books and sign copies.

Hope to see you there.

A read for those who are not faint-hearted

Goodness me this new book I'm writing is shaping up quickly! And it's certainly not one for the squeamish or faint-hearted.

Because of the sensitive nature of the book, I am unable to post the more adult sections so here is a little bit of where it's currently at:-

“I’ve done it Mum,” Sarah said into the phone.

“Does he know?”

“No. Not yet anyway. Unless John and Saranne have phoned him and told him.” It was a possibility, although she thought it unlikely that they would choose to be the ones to break the news.

“How did it go telling them?” Mary Sweeney asked. She had her eyes closed and scrunched up as she spoke. She could picture her daughter’s in-laws so clearly, and could imagine how shocked they would have been.

“Well it wasn’t nice, obviously. They have no idea what Colin is really like.”

Want to know what Colin is really like? Well you'll have to wait a little while until I finish writing it.

Until then, take a look at my other books, especially Split Decision.

Happy Reading! x

A more adult read

I think this book might be one of the hardest I have ever written in some ways. It's about what happens after a marriage breaks down and how the main character, Sarah, has to forge a new life for herself.

As I alluded to in my last blog, some of it is written from personal experience and some from the experiences others have shared with me. I have to thank you all for being so brutally honest and baring your souls to me. What you have told me has made me laugh and sometimes cry, but each and every time, it has informed my characters of how they would act, what they would think and what they would say.

So to all of you once again, thanks.

Because of the adult content of this book I will be unable to post as many snippets as I usually would, so here is just a little bit to tide you over.

“Shall we go see the new house then?” she said.

Neither of the girls answered. Perhaps young as they were, they realised there was really no choice in the matter.

Her hands shook on the steering wheel but she manoeuvred the car with care. “Here we are.” Her voice was falsely cheerful.

The girls looked unenthusiastically up at the low-rise block of flats.

“You said there wasn’t a garden, but there is,” Kaitlin accused, pointing at the narrow expanse of grass between the building and the car park.

“That’s not a garden honey. That’s just a strip of grass and it’s for everyone to use.”

“Everyone?” Ellie said, sounding confused.

Sarah looked at the building again. Not as she naturally perceived it, as a group of connected flats, but as her daughters saw it, a huge imposing residence.

“That isn’t one big house. It’s lots of little houses called flats, all put together in one place.”

As ever, if you are in need of a good read, take a look at my dystopian sci-fi series, The Owners or for young adult romance/thriller, Split Decision. Ascension will be out early next year. And many more to follow.

Happy Reading! x

I'm going to give you what you want.

For a long time, as long as I have been writing novels, there has been a story lodged at the back of my head.

I have wanted to write it and I know that lots of you have expressed a desire to read it - but up until now, I wasn't ready to commit it to the page. I am now.

Different to my other books, this one will be very hard-hitting and gritty. But I think there will be moments of mirth, of dark humour in amongst all the tragedy and pathos. And yes there will be elements within it, where some of you might recognise bits of your own lives, your own insecurities, your own worries.

Will you enjoy it? Of course you will. But don't think that it will be easy reading. It will make you think. Will it also make you view your life differently? Perhaps. I know that's something that seems to come through in most of my books, so I guess it might in this one too.

As ever I'll post snippets and keep you informed of progress.

Until then - Happy Reading!

I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so!

I got a brief text message from a friend the other day:

Hi. Did you just phone me? Sorry. I was too engrossed with reading your book. It's really hard to put down!

I laughed and laughed. This is from a woman who resisted my attempts to get her to read Split Decision for over a year. And I totally understand why. She's my friend and was worried about what she would say, how she would face me if the book was no good. But I knew something she didn't, I knew that she'd love it.

That's the problem with friendship. A few years ago another friend actually confessed to me that she'd bought my first book because she'd felt she had to. But when she began to read it, she was fully captivated by the story, so much so, that she took to hiding herself away, so that she could continue without interruption. The look on her face as she told me how riveting the story was, was priceless.

You see, as many people have remarked, you wouldn't know by talking to me that I am capable of writing these books. Whilst this could be taken as an insult, I have to admit that it's true. The words and ideas which flow so easily onto the screen when I'm writing a novel, are almost incompatible with the everyday me, the one who is obsessed with how much she weighs and whether everyone has eaten their food and is basically a dimwit when it comes to current affairs.

So to any of you who know me and still haven't bought one of my books, I have only this to say: When you do eventually buy one, and you finally read it, try not to say what everyone else says. Try not to exclaim, "I can't believe you actually wrote this! I loved every minute of it!"

Because my reply will always be, "I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so!"

:)

Happy Reading!

Finished!

I have just written the last sentence on my latest book. I'm feeling sad and happy at the same time.

It's hard to wrap up a book, knowing you are finished with those characters. But I'm also excited that it brings me one step closer to letting the world read about their adventures. In fact, I can't wait.

If you can't either, take a look at the books I already have out on sale. There's another, Ascension, coming soon and there are a further eight more, ready for publication.

Seriously!

So until then,

Happy Reading!

It's been a while...

It seems like a long time since I sat down to write a blog post. I have been busy working on my latest book [there are only a few chapters left to write], decorating the new house and doing all the other things the summer holidays threw at me.

Added to that, I have attended yet another funeral, making it three this year alone. Let's hope it will be the last for a very, very long time!

I am increasingly excited about Ascension, which is due for release next Jan/Feb. My publisher keeps getting excited about what a powerful story it is - she doesn't need to keep telling me, I remember the excitement of writing it.

Similarly, the one I am finishing off is equally gripping. Different to Ascension, it has that same sense of time slipping away from the characters, who have to make sense of their situation.

The female lead, Tudie, is strong and her wisdom belies her nineteen years. I think she is a little bit like how I was back in the day and I have to say, approaching a landmark birthday, I envy her strength and indomitable nature.

Anyway enough warbling on... here's the snippet you want.

We are suddenly both awkward with one another. I refuse to meet his gaze. Instead I look for Grey.

He’s just behind me. A young woman stands next to him, and from the way she gazes up at him, I can tell what’s in her heart.

Her face is open, at once scared and yet strangely expectant, as if she has waited her whole life for this one moment. With her gaze so focused on him, it is still me who Grey turns towards and without him saying a single word, I know everything there is to know in that one glance. I can only wonder if he can read my eyes and expression as well as I can his.

Happy Reading - and don't forget to check out my Owners series and my thriller Split Decision.

On Air with the Fizzogs

I had the privilege recently to be invited onto Black Country Radio, to talk to the Fizzogs about my latest book, Ascension. Whilst I had a wonderful time with these inimitable ladies, it required a huge amount of concentration to have to answer questions fired at me from all sides. I have been told by friends who listened in that I came across well, but believe me, that was a real fluke, as these ladies are both funny and gregarious, and therefore apt to hijack every innocently meant comment, and turn it into something completely different!

But what stuck me most about them is how different they are to their alter egos, the Dancing Grannies. I was curious to find out more.

How did you come up with the concept of the Dancing Grannies?

Sue: They were originally part of a comedy sketch - from two separate things. We just added some dancing at the end of the sketch and it went down a storm.

Then we decided to do flash mobs to hand out flyers about our shows. We did it as the Dancing Grannies and then suddenly, there was a video which went viral around the world. Since then we have had 19 viral videos with over 270 million views.

The Dancing Grannies are our most popular characters.

You've recently done Freezin', a Black Country take on the animation Frozen.

Sue: We enjoy doing non-traditional pantos, which is what Freezin' was. It's for adults, not children. It was so popular that we did a ten date tour that sold out, so we had to add another two dates to it.

And you have found fame with your radio show too!

Sue: Well we have a slot on Friday morning because it fits into our busy schedules. But we have such a good time on the show and I think that's what the listeners enjoy. We are totally unplanned and unprepared and we just go for it! You get to hear the real Fizzogs, not something planned and premeditated.

Well readers having been there and done that, I can attest to the truth of that statement.

So Fizzogs, keep on fizzing! We love you.

Happy reading!

Love is in the air!

Here is a little bit of the book I am currently working on. It's a dystopian science fiction story, with a smattering of romance.

“And he’s a very lucky man.”

I’m so surprised that he sounds genuine that I turn towards him. Surely there is some scorn subtly implied there that I have missed?

“Do you really think so?”

“Yes, of course. To have someone who loves you enough that they will risk everything for you, isn’t that what we all want?”

I answer his question with one of my own. “Is that what you want, Devlin?”

His eyes close and for a long time I think he is asleep but when his voice comes it is quiet and reflective. “ELSA won’t allow you back into the Dome.”

“I know.”

“Perhaps without him you might stand a chance, although you have rebelled against her, so it’s slim. But since she has already cast him out, there’s no chance for him.”

“I know. And there’s Willow too.”

“It can be a hard life out here in one of the Sectors.”

“I’ll cope.”

His eyes open. “Yes actually, I have no doubt that you will. But will they?”

“They’ll have to! And I’ll help them.” I close my eyes. I don’t want to talk anymore. Whatever will happen, will happen, and I’ll deal with it then. There’s no point in brooding upon conjecture.

Hmm what will happen next?

Happy reading.

Calling All Black Country Bibliophiles!

On Friday I will be live with the wonderful Fizzogs, on Black Country Radio, 102.5fm. We will be  talking about my published books and my forthcoming release, Ascension, due out early next year.

Acerbically witty and wickedly talented, these ladies have become a world-wide hit and have productions to their credits as diverse as Freezin'  [a comedic take on the animated film Frozen], Fifty Shades of Fizzog, Kippin Beauty [ Black Country  colloquialism for sleeping],  as well as their hilarious routine as the Dancing Grannies.

It was as these alter egos that I first encountered them. Loud cardigans pulled over cavernous, drooping chests, they were a sight to behold. When they danced, the whole room became still and focused. Not a single glance was stolen away from their performance, and the applause was raptutrous.

So what will they make of me and my books? Of all the interviews and talks I have given, they are probably the most likely not to bat an eyelid when I tell them that in my dystopian science fiction series, humans are kept as pets by other, larger, feathered creatures called Eyons.

And I am sure that they will love the premise of Split Decision, where the main characher has a life-changing decision to make, even if she doesn't know it at the time.

But of Ascension, dark and brooding and beautifully dystopian - what might they make of that?

Well if you are keen to find out, join me at 9.10 on Friday, live on the radio. I'm so excited!

Until then, as ever, happy reading!

Showstopper

For the past academic year, my daughter has been perfecting her role as a lioness in a school production of The Lion King, so obviously I bought a ticket for one of the performances of the show this week.

Now it may surprise you to know this, but underneath this hard, Glaswegian exterior, is a heart that's as soft as a marshmallow. I kid you not! In fact I couldn't watch the animation of this film when my children were little, without dissolving into a puddle of tears. Not just the first time, but every time!

Likewise, I don't watch King Kong, because it breaks my heart, and if I ever watch a sentimental movie, I am a blubbering mess for days after. But this was a school production of a tale set in Africa and where all the characters were animals... how were a group of kids going to pull this off in any moderately interesting way?

I imagined lots of pretend animal noises and cardboard masks, coloured-in by the kids themselves.
Not so!

What these middle school children pulled off was such a refined performance, that I was thoroughly entranced. All of the major parts had been given to budding actors and actresses who quite frankly, acted and sang their socks off.

But the one person who made it for me, was the young girl who played 'Scar'. Her performance was so riveting, so filled with elements of light and shade, that she came across both as a dynamic and seasoned performer.

This show had everything it should have had, humour, wit, great costumes and interesting dialogue. And it was put across with real heart and soul. The costumes were well thought out and designed, and the music sung with gusto and just the right amount of poignancy.

So there's nothing more for me to add, other than:- Kids you were fantastic and I loved every minute!

And whenever you have another production, rest assured, I'll be there!

Until then, happy reading!

Announcement

Yes, I know how incredibly lucky I am. Every day I settle down to do a job I adore, one that makes my heart race and that gives me the utmost satisfaction.

So on top of that, it is my absolute delight to announce that I have just signed a deal with another publisher, Uncial Press, to bring you my latest fantasy, Ascension, which should be out early next year.

I am extremely fortunate in that I have been blessed with the best editors ever, both with my existing publishers P'Kaboo, and now with my new American publishers, Uncial.

In fact, I have found the editors from both of these publishers to be so light of touch and so exceptionally empathetic to both the storyline and my own individual style, that changes to the original manuscript have been kept to a minimum. I believe that's not true of all editors and publishers.

So my wholehearted thanks go to P'kaboo and to Uncial Press.

May our journey together be long and fruitful! xxx

Bare faced cheek

And now for a subject which fascinates me - to be made up, or not to be made up?

Most days I don't wear make up. I really should, as I am about to be 50. But until now, I have been fortunate enough not to really need the stuff unless I have had an exceptionally late night the previous evening. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that my appearance wouldn't have been improved without the odd bit of 'slap' but that rather I didn't feel the absolute necessity to use it.

However as a society we are obsessed with the idea of celebs going make-up free. And I have to ask why. Generally speaking, whilst I wouldn't dream of attending something or having a night out minus make-up, I don't see the need to plaster myself in it, just to buy dog food or walk the dogs.

There are whole webpages dedicated to showing celebs minus make-up, either in a positive or negative light. Quite frankly, if the said celebrities are under the age of forty, they should look good with or without makeup. Youth = youthful skin, and believe me, no amount of expensive creams or serums can give you back elasticity when it's gone.

So why are we so fascinated with these images? I think because it's a chance to see the 'real' person beneath the paint, so if that's your thing then go on, knock yourself out.

http://www.stylebistro.com/Barefaced+Beauties+-+Celebrities+Without+Makeup/articles

Today's chapter

Here is a little bit from my latest book:-

The grass is long and coarse, with little bits of flower or seed at the top, which blow majestically in the gentle breeze. I run one finger and thumb up the length of the stalk, feeling its texture, realising that I have never experienced anything like it. Nothing here is old to me, all is fresh and beautiful and even though I am compelled urgently forward, I recognise that there is much here to fill the heart with wonder and joy.

The land is more undulating than before and I can’t tell what lies beyond a half day’s walk from here. Perhaps only more of the same, perhaps something different.  Time and distance will tell.

I know exactly how this character feels, for I too am in familiar yet unfamiliar territory at this moment. None of us know what lies ahead and regardless of our hopes and dreams, what we find, might not be what we were expecting.  

I hope your journey is a satisfying one. I'll keep my fingers crossed for us all. x

Am I mad or is it the rest of the world?

I have been watching a leading supermarket chain's television advertisement with growing horror. I can't mention the store on here but it's the one where two very familiar and well -known actors [think Gavin and Stacey] take an item of fresh food back to the shop and swap it for another item instead.

So far so good you think. So why the horror? Well there is a line of writing which runs underneath the action of the scene which states that all food purchases must be returned within date. Now there is only one reason for this request, and it is clearly due to the chain's intention to resell the food.

Whilst I hate waste, this is more than dangerous. Imagine if you will that I am  a religious fanatic of the sort who is increasingly infiltrating society. I inject a fruit or piece of chicken with poison and take it back to the store where they will resell it to some poor unsuspecting person...

A bit far fetched? The poison and needle marks are too easily detected by the naked eye? Ok then try this one. I buy butter, milk, frozen foods or raw meats, leave them in my car for a few hours whilst I drive somewhere else, get petrol and pick up a prescription. I then remember I already have some of these foods at home and that I have duplicated my shopping by mistake.

Do you want to be the one to buy what was once my butter which was left sitting in my car for hours, whilst my dogs excitedly sniffed the wrapper? Thought not!

So you see it is a terrible concept. Take back those mistaken purchases of shoes, bags and clothes by all means. But food? Well I'm afraid if you bought it, you should be stuck with it!

But that of course is just my opinion.

Happy Reading!

Hot off the page

Here is a little snippet I have just written. It's where Tudie learns how very different things are set to become...

“Oh Tudie!” his mother holds her arms open to me and I let myself be enfolded into her embrace. “Have you heard?” she asks, although from my entrance and the look which is surely on my face, the answer must be obvious.


I nod, for a moment unable to speak.

All three of them resume a quiet mewling. For a few moments I join them unashamedly. Their pain echoes and amplifies mine. With no family of my own they are all I have in the world – them and Grey, and it is he who ties me so firmly to them.

Luckily Tudie is a strong character. She is going to need every last bit of that strength!

Happy Reading! x

How to book.

Tomorrow I am giving another author talk. It's a private event, so you won't find details of it listed on my EVENTS page, which is only for ones open to the general public.

If you would like to book me for a talk, you can contact me at carmen.capuano@ymail.com.

Until then, take a browse through these pages.

Happy Reading.

Firstly, can I please thank the wonderful audience who attended my most recent talk, last week. Not only was I told that my books are captivating and that my writing is beautiful, but I was also given cake afterwards. [I love this job!]

Today I am writing, so here is a little bit of a chapter from the book I'm currently working on, set in a dystopian world where things are beginning to fall apart...

“Where is he?" I am panicked and I expect her to try to calm me down. She doesn’t.

“There were complications,” she says distractedly. She moves as if to walk past me but I grab her arm, harnessing her in place. Her face is so close that I can feel her breath against my skin but only for a second, before she turns away.

“What do you mean complications?” I manage to spit the entire sentence out, even though the words threaten to choke me. Bile coats the inside of my mouth and I can’t seem to entirely swallow it back down. I am more afraid than I have ever been before.

Happy Reading!

Sorry guys!

I have had a couple of complaints about my book Split Decision. It seems that you ladies are enjoying the book so much, you are going to bed early... to READ.

And guess where the complaints have come from? Yup, your men folk. Now whilst I am delighted that you are all so engrossed, I have to say ladies what are you thinking of? Rather than have your man nag you at bed time, give in and give him a little of what he will love... buy him a copy of The Owners series!

Joking aside, these have been genuine complaints made to me and I make no apologies for writing such compelling reading.

So for your copy of The Owners and Split Decision, follow the links on the right of this page or read the reviews on the Reviews page.

Happy reading. X

P.S. New books coming soon...