This week my publisher Headline announced some news I've been sitting on for months. To say I'm relieved my news is now out in the open is something of an understatement, I've been itching to talk about it for months! The news, in case you missed it, is that I've been asked to write three more novels set in Ryhope in 1919. The full press release is here. The first of the three news books will be called The Girl with the Scarlet Ribbon. There's a "holding cover image" on Amazon right now but I'll reveal the cover as soon as I can. If you'd like to pre-order the book, you can do so right here.
I'm over the moon to finally be able to announce some big news that I've been sitting on for months. I've been commissioned to write a further three novels set in Ryhope in 1919. It's fantastic news and I couldn't be happier. Here's the press release from Headline, my publisher. Senior commissioning editor Kate Byrne acquired world English rights from Caroline Sheldon at the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency. The Girl with the Scarlet Ribbon and The Paper Mill Girl will publish in 2020, followed by Rose of Miner’s Row in 2021. Young is the author of three other Headline saga novels, Belle of the Back Streets, The Tuppenny Child and Pearl of Pit Lane. She has written a number of books based on "Coronation Street" and runs two website for fans of the soap. Byrne said: “It’s been an absolute delight working with Glenda on her first three saga novels and to see readers falling in love with her strong, resourceful heroines and the way she brings early twentieth-century Ryhope to vivid life. Glenda is a dream to work with, filled with ideas for stories and promotion and I couldn’t be more excited about the next three compelling novels we’ll be publishing at Headline which I know will thrill her fans.” Sheldon added: “I remember my excitement when I read Glenda’s first novel, Belle of the Back Streets – everything was there – storytelling ability, nostalgia for a way of life long gone, fascinating historical detail and warmth. Every book Glenda has written since has reinforced my belief in her as a writer who will go to the very top of the genre. And we are thrilled to sign further publishing contract with Headline who share all my excitement for her work.” The full announcement is here in The Bookseller.
I've got a short story called Rest And Relaxation in The People's Friend Special No. 179 which is in the shops today (Weds 21 August 2019). It's a really funny story, one of those that made me laugh as I was writing it. I hope it puts a smile on your lips too if you read it.
I'm very happy to be blogging about this. I've had two short stories longlisted in the Sunderland Short Story Award. It's run by Bandit Fiction in conjunction with the University of Sunderland and Waterstones. I'm not allowed to say which of the two longlisted stories are mine. More news as - and if - it comes in September regarding the shortlist. Fingers crossed.
Who doesn't love a new notepad? As a writer I've got many notepads on the go, all for different things. I've got my research notepad for my current novel, my work in progress. Then I've got my meetings notepad which I take to, er, meetings. I've got my handbag notepad, a small affair that fits into the palm of my hand and the side pocket of my handbag. But one notepad among them all is special. It's the notepad I use to take notes in as I write the Coronation Street weekly updates each week. Every time I sit down to watch Coronation Street I scribble notes as a reminder to what's happened that week so when I write the weekly update on a Saturday I can remember what's happened. The Corrie weekly updates notepad is special because it has to be a certain type. It must be flexible, with a soft leather cover. Unlined, always unlined. And if it's got a place-marker, all the better. I've been finding some wonderful ones that fit my criteria in the local shopping centre, at the Tiger store. Leather cover, unlined, place-marker and oh my word, pink edges to the sheets of pure white paper. I'm in notepad heaven. __
I've been writing Coronation Street weekly updates since 1995 and this week's Coronation Street has just gone live here.
This week in Corrie, Evelyn runs a betting scam in the corner shop. And if you'd like to support the Corrie weekly updates (please), you can donate here.
I feel very proud and honoured to be one of seven authors included in a new mini-fiction magazine in My Weekly Special magazine. The stories are all about World War 2, stories of love and courage. My story is caled We'll Meet Again and is based on the true story of my grandparents.
When grandad was called away to war in 1939, grandma was pregnant with my mam. When grandad returned from war in 1945 and he walked into the home he'd had to leave all those years ago, it was the first time my mam had set eyes on her dad. She didn't know who he was and ran screaming to my grandma: "There's a man in the house!"
These words are now immortalised in the first line of my debut novel Belle of the Back Streetswhich is set at the end of WW1.
It's out and available now! This year's Heritage Open Days brochure can be collected from libraries and cultural venues up and down the country.
Hugely proud to be able to say that not only am I running two free events of my own this year - but I've also been asked to give the welcome speech at the official opening.
I've a short story published in this week's The People's Friend magazine, which is in the shops now. It's a comic story of wedding anniversary gifts from a husband to his wife. I hope you enjoy reading it!
I've two short stories in Take a Break's Fiction Feast September magazine, in the shops now. A comic tale called The Beach Hotel and a spooky story called Seaside Express.
And in The People's Friend Special fiction magazine I've a short story called The Girl at Cliff Cottage, which is a mystery story.