Flaming Nora: Women, London and Aerated Bread

Friday, January 16, 2026

Women, London and Aerated Bread - my Writing Week

This has been a really interesting week.

I had the best Monday morning with the ladies at WHiST (Women's Health in South Tyneside) at SALUS house. What an inspirational place! Thank you for having me.

On Tuesday I spoke to the real Bakery Girls as research for my new book! I heard some wonderful stories from the world of bread, cakes - and determined women - which will help bring my characters to life.

On Wednesday, I travelled to London and spent the afternoon in the British Museum.

I was in London for a meeting with my agent and publisher to discuss publicity for the third and final Toffee Factory Girls book coming out this year - it's called Celebrations at the Toffee Factory.

While in London, still with my Bakery Girls research hat on, I visited Fleet Street to see the ghost sign of the Aerated Bread Company. What a treat.

And I'm delighted to say I'm giving two library talks as part of this year's County Durham Libraries Festival of Local Authors. The events are now being publicised. Join me next month at Sacriston Library and Murton Library.

I crafted another episode of my weekly soap opera Riverside for The People's Friend magazine. I've been writing Riverside weekly since 2016 and you can find out all about it here.