Diamond Lady

I was very fortunate to be invited to a Victorian celebration by my guest today, Carol Hedges. I donned my best bonnet and had the coachman convey me to her gracious home (Facebook launch) where we partook of delicate morsels and a little strong drink.

She has been kind enough to accept my return request. So – Carol, slightly less elegant but, welcome to the Bingergread Cottage. What can we get you?

Lovely to be here, Ailsa. Can I have a coffee, strong with milk,but no sugar. Thanks. ooh ..and the CAKES!!! anyone of those would do…..yum!!

Here – there is a lot of Badger’s thick chocolate birthday cake. Dig in! Tell me about your writing. How many pen-names do you have?

I write under Carol  Hedges .. which is my name. It helps me to remember who I am, and make things like keeping track of the money I (almost) earn easier. I did contemplate adopting a new name for the new ”Diamonds & Dust” book (Victoria Collins came to mind) but that would mean readers would have to hunt around to find my other books. I know many writers have 2 or even three personas … make it easy on the reader, I say.

How long have you been writing professionally?

I had my first book published in 1992. It was a novel called ”Ring of Silver, Lord of Time”. It’s long out of print ..though I think there are still some secondhand copies lurking on Amazon.. ‘Diamonds& Dust is my first venture into the world of adult fiction. I’d really like to continue writing in this genre and for this market ..  .. I enjoy it so much.

What about you? Carol the person. Where do you live and what would be a perfect day for you? What are your passions?

I live in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, with my lovely husband – married 38 years. My daughter left home at 18, now lives in London, so she is quite close by. In Feb, we are expecting our first grandchild, so all plans and projects have somewhat been put on hold!!

A perfect day for me would entail : a LARGE mug of coffee first thing ..then dealing with emails (I campaign to save a local green space  so there is always a lot of correspondence). (Ailsa nods, understanding wildlife campaigning) Some chit chat with lovely Twitter friends, a bit of blog/book promo, then hitting the computer to write.

I tutor secondary school students, so they arrive after lunch and continue into the evening. They and the writing constitute the ”day jobs”. Before I retiring, I worked as a Librarian, and then as a teacher (English and Literature). Outside of ”work”, I am a great 2CV fan — see pic of car, and spend time ”grooming” Annie-Rose, the current 2CV. (Huge squeal from Ailsa who shares Carol’s passion for the 2CV)

I read a lot …sometimes for review, sometimes for pleasure, and I write a weekly blog, all of which fills in the gaps. Somewhere along the line, I eat and sleep….I think!Interesting Facts:  Ooh ……   I have night-blindness, so NEVER drive with me late at nightI can drink more prosecco in one sitting than most people – and still remain reasonably upright.Having had it, I am a great believer in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy.

Oh I couldn’t agree more. I have too and it is great!

Thanks so much Carol. That’s been fascinating and I look forward to having you back to visit when your next book is launched. Best wishes for the new grandchild too, I’d better get started on some bootees!. Now the vital info –

LINKS: blog: http://carolhedges.blogspot.co.uk

Twitter: @carolJhedges

Amazon author page:  ow.ly/oZclh

Diamonds and dust on Amazon: 

UK http://buff.ly/18fkua3 

US http://buff.ly/18SdNOV 

BIO

Carol Hedges is the successful UK writer of 11 books for teenagers/Young Adults. Her writing has received much critical acclaim, and her novel Jigsaw was long-listed for the Carnegie Medal. Her four Spy Girl books, published by Usborne Books and featuring feisty sassy heroine Jazmin Dawson are available to buy on Amazon.

Her ebook Jigsaw Pieces is also available in Amazon. Her latest book,Diamonds & Dust, A Victorian Murder Mystery is published by Crooked Cat books,and is available as both book and ebook. It is her first adult novel.

Carol Hedges lives in Hertfordshire. When not writing/sleeping/trying to resist cake, she tutors A level and GCSE English Literature. She also campaigns as chair of a local action group to save a community urban green space from possible development.