This week I've made more steady progress writing the first draft of The Bakery Girls and aim to be finished by end of May. It's a long process that can't be rushed as each day requires considerable concentration and hard work. I'm loving it a lot! I've also seen the cover but can't reveal it yet. It's incredible, and could be my favourite yet. Out of working hours, I went to the wonderful city of Durham for a tour of Redhills. This is the Durham Miners Association building known as the Pitmen's Parliament. Researching The Bakery Girls means eating cake. A tough job but someone's got to do it. In a cafe in Durham I ate Empire Biscuit, known as German Biscuit before WW1. It could be the inspiration for Sunderland's pink slice, layered shortbread, jam, (white) icing, jelly tot! I went on a tour of Sunderland's new Culture House, set to open this summer. I was overjoyed to see my books on the shelves of the library part of the building. It...
