It has been so long since I last posted a blog, I guess you will have forgotten me.

Nevertheless, here I am again and, though I would love to pass on some wonderful news, I'm afraid that isn't possible. Life here in the Scottish Borders, at least for me, has been quiet, which is why you haven't heard from me for a while. However, here I am again, despite having no outstanding news. 

My novels, though they are not leaping off the shelves, have been selling well on Amazon and all other online stores. So I am quite happy about that. But now, I am having problems working in the 5th novel in the Agnes Lockwood Mystery Series. Despite ideas running through my head, I seem to forget them when I sit down to continue writing the novel. However, I doubt I am the first author to admit that. I guess it is something which happens to all writers. 

I will plod on, and, hopefully find the solution. 

In the meantime, if you are interested, Vengeance on Tyneside, will be reduced to 99c/99p on 19th Dec for a short time. Therefore, keep looking out for the offer - don't miss out. 

Cheers to your all and I wish you all a Wonderful Christmas and New Year 

Eileen Thornton 

 Hello again.

Yes, it's me, I am back. Though I don't have much news, I really wanted to catch up with you all. 

My husband and I have both had our booster covid jabs. But then, there isn't much fun to talk about on that scenario. Nevertheless, with covid 19 problems still hovering around, it's good to know that the government/s are still looking after us. 

But enough of that. On a more cheerful note, a few days ago I dropped off more copies of my Tyneside novels to the Floors Castle Gift shop. At the moment, they can be found in the Apple Shed Gift Shop which has been open throughout the winter months. However, once the grounds and Castle reopen in May, I believe they will be added to the Courtyard Gift Shop, where, last year, they almost flew off the shelves. 

At the moment, I am still trying to work out where we can spend a few day away from home this summer. We really enjoyed being in Whitley Bay last year, especially as we stayed at the Premier Inn overlooking the Promenade. It was really wonderful being able to gaze out of the window and look at the sea. However, the journey home rather spoilt our break - though I won't go into that again. 

Anyway, I would be delighted to hear from anyone who might have a suggestion as to where we could stay this year. Somewhere easy to reach from the Scottish Borders, yet has something enjoyable going on during the evening.  I understand that it will be difficult, but if you think of something, then please get back to me. 

Meanwhile, I would love to hear how you are all doing. Whether you are authors, office staff, shop assistants, canteen assistants or have held any other similar jobs, then I can honestly say that I have also been there. 

Take care all and please get back to me, 

Cheers, 

Eileen

Hello Again!

So sorry that I haven't been back to you before now. However, as I didn't have any news, I wasn't sure what to say. Yes, I know a blog, or a newsletter,  is where people can spout all their thoughts. Yet, at the end of the day, they must have somewhere to start, and that is my problem. 

Truthfully, I don't have anything exciting to pass on. Nevertheless, I felt I ought to get back in touch, as some people have kindly asked if all was well as I hadn't been around for a while. Thank you so much for your concern, but yes, I am fine, though I did have an accident shortly before Christmas. 

No, not a car accident, or anything else involving a third person. It was all down to me. I had been out around the local area delivering our Christmas cards, but on arriving home, I simply tripped over one of the steps outside our house and, without anything to hold on to, I fell to the ground - hitting my head on a large, stone plant pot on the way down. 

I still can't believe it. For goodness' sake, those steps have been there for ages. I have walked up and down them countless times! Yet, on that one day, I misjudged where I put my foot and, without anything to hold on to, I fell over. I'm sure that this must have happened to several other people reading this post. Though some might simply have staggered a little before getting their footing back in control, that wasn't how it worked for me. I was taken to hospital where I needed to have nine stitches on the top of my head - all of which have since been removed. So, guys, for your information, I am still leaping around - well sort of. I must say, haven't leaped around for some time now. 😄

Other than that, here in the Scottish Borders, all is much the same, as far as I am concerned. Though there is the ongoing election of a new First Minister. Though I'm sure you won't want me to dwell on politics. I have my thoughts on how the country should vote and I'm sure you have your own, which is why I never voice my pollical opinion here.  

Therefore, changing the channel, so to speak, I am trying to think of somewhere my husband and I can spend a few days this summer. Yes, it would be good to go abroad. However. we are both past that stage now, having been on several trips to various European resorts. Therefore, we are looking for a Hotel, Premier Inn, or Travelodge, fairly close to the Scottish Borders, but, at the same time has enough parking spaces for all people staying there. 

Looking down from the promenade

Last year, on a previous post, I'm sure you'll recall me saying that we went to Whitley Bay. For those who don't live in the UK, Whitley Bay is a coastal resort in North East England. 

Many years ago, before people started going abroad, Whitley Bay was the highlight for families all over the region. Some came from Glasgow, and even further north. 

At school, we learned Scottish dancing so we could join in the dancing at the Panama Dip. But that was a long time ago. 

Phil and I went there last year as I wanted to see the changes made to the place I lived until I was married - so many years ago. However, while the sea-front, outside what was once known as the the Plaza Ball Room, had been beautifully upgraded, streets in the town centre had been forgotten. Therefore, perhaps it would be a good idea if we went back to take another look. Maybe the council are still working on plans for that part of the town. I do understand such things take time and, money doesn't grow on trees. Hopefully, the town will be upgraded over time. 

What else can I tell you, other than I am still working on the fifth novel of the Agnes Lockwood Mysteries? However, it is going very slowly; too slowly for me. I usually have an idea on how the novel begins and how it ends. The in between bits develop as I go along. But, though I have the beginning and end in my head, the bit in the middle is not working out as well as usual. Perhaps I need a shove. 

Meanwhile, I am promoting the books which are already published. Incidentally, Murder on Tyneside, the first book in the Agnes Lockwood series, is free to download. If you have already read it, then perhaps you would be so kind as to pass the on the information to your friends. They can find it by following this link: books2read.com/u/4ElXzA  

I think that is all I have to tell you for the moment, but I won't leave it quite so long before getting back to you. 

Please leave a comment, I would love to hear from you. 

Take care 

Cheers!