Wednesday 27 April 2016

The 1960's in Focus


Twin tub washing machines were the height of fashion in the 1960s, central heating was only a dream for many. 





Even the rag and bone man still traipsed the streets with his old cart and horse.



The telephone box at the end of the street was the only place you'd be able to make a call from; very few homes had their own phone. 



Storm Clouds Gathering is set in these times with the backdrop of a Yorkshire mill town. 
Three women, each different in their way of life: Kathleen Mitchell, a loving hard working mother and wife. To make ends meet she works all hours she can in the nearby wool mill. Her best friend Shirley Burton, unfortunately without children, also works in the same mill, but doesn’t quite have the same views on married life. Her behaviour leads her into a situation that she has no idea how to handle. Then there is Anne Simpson, a school teacher at the nearby junior school where Kathleen’s children attend. Anne fights for the rights of children not to be bodily mishandled as punishment for misbehaviour which was often the case in the 60’s. 

Together these three families bring a rich story of love, friendship and heartbreak. And, as close and sure as they are about tomorrow, none of them realise that by the end of the summer of 1965 their lives will never be the same again.

Monday 11 April 2016

This and That!

One of the routes I run

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything, so thought I’d better swing by and say Hello!

It’s been a busy few weeks and I’m still running, though down to no more than two or three times a week and around six or seven kilometres per run. The temperatures are climbing and even though I leave after five o’clock in the afternoon, the sun beats down. Shade temps are around 22c, I return looking like a water feature!



I've also been busy playing with my poster designs and here is one I made a couple of weeks ago.

Last week when I was in the supermarket a couple came up to me and smiling, said, “You are Pauline Barclay, the book lady.” Before I could respond, they continued, “We met you a couple of years ago at Calypso, Danny’s Bar when you were doing book promotion. I have read all your books and want to know if there is a new one out soon.” I don’t need to say, I was overwhelmed. I couldn’t thank Carol and Alan Barlow enough for remembering me and buying my books. I feel very honoured.

With books in mind, my latest WIP is still very much alive and though I’ve taken a short break from it, I am once again working away. The title is very likely going to be, The Wendy House. It is a dark story, very different from the ones I’ve written before, so I have to think about whether to publish in my name or a different one. I will let you know what is eventually agreed. The book cover will be designed by Cathy Helms from Avalon Graphics and we already have an idea!




Talking of Cathy brings me nicely onto her special promotion this month. So if you need any special web graphics or more, please contact her, I promise you won’t be disappointed.


Well lovelies, that’s about all my news for now. I hope all is good with you and whatever you are doing, you’re having fun. 


As always, thank you so much for stopping by. Take care and I hope the sun is shinning on your face and in your heart.

Until next time.
Love

Pauline
xxx