Lindsey's Page

Happy New Year to everyone. All my resolutions have flown out of the window, apart from muesli. The one about vacuuming only amounted to putting in a new bag…

For me last year was long and trying, and tribulations are not over yet, though thank goodness I have health and determination on my side! Invitations are flying in for the new diary, so do keep an eye on the Events page.

Say thank you to Richard

My idea of offering signed copies of backlist titles from my cupboard was wonderfully well received. Thanks to the boundless generosity of many readers, there are now very few hardbacks left but plenty of handsome large sized paperbacks. I will be closing the site and the offer in a few months, so this is your last chance! For details go here: Say Thank You to Richard.

Next Publications and New Contracts

I recently told you the devastating news that my marvellous UK editor resigned from Random House. After twenty years, this is a monumental upheaval. There will have to be a period of readjustment and at the moment I can’t say – because I myself don’t know – what I will be doing next.

To quote The Official Companion (here’s a sneak preview!)

Wait and see! is one of the most exciting answers an author can give.

Quite exciting for me, too, actually. I fell very fortunate firstly that publishers want my work, and also that I have some leeway over what I might do next. It’s a luxury these days, though I hope I can say I earned it through previous hard work.

UK Random House will be giving you the twentieth Falco Novel, 'Nemesis', together with 'Falco: The Official Companion' in June 2010.

US I am delighted to say that St Martin’s Press continues to take up the early books which have been out of print in America for so long. We are in process of licensing ‘Venus and Copper’ and ‘The Iron Hand of Mars’ for reissue (no firm dates yet).

SPAIN I am thrilled that Edhasa have bought Rebels and Traitors. We don’t have a publication date yet; they say it may take some time to translate!

Meanwhile in Poland, Rebis have just been licensed for The Iron Hand of Mars, Poseidon’s Gold and Last Act in Palmyra.

Work in Progress 

I am editing and finalising both Nemesis and Falco: the Official Companion.

For variety, I am also acting as a judge for a first novel prize. I did it last year and am much enjoying a chance to read a much wider cross-section of books than I would normally. It’s always impressive to see what new authors manage to achieve – though at the same time, to marvel how some things I take for granted as essential, such as description of locations or developing strong characters, are so often ignored as if plot were all that counts.

Yes, you can see that after re-reading my own work for the Companion and needing to think about the future, I am really in reassessment mode! It does no harm. Nobody should get complacent.

Favorite Book Poll

New visitors to the website may like to send in their favourite book and/or favourite scene for our ever-changing poll.

(You can see the results here. )

Fishbourne

Readers who enjoyed 'A Body in the Bath House' and those who love the Fishbourne Roman Palace site may like to know that I was delighted to attend the Official Opening of the new facilities recently. Fund raising continues, with an ‘Adopt a Box’ campaign, where you can pay for the conservation of one of the many boxes of finds that are now housed in the new Discoveries Centre. Details at www.sussexpast.co.uk.

Classical Association

In 1997/8 I was Honorary President of the UK Classical Association. I recommend joining if you are interested in the jolly side of classics. See their website, www.classicalassociation.org.

Organ Donor Card Appeal

This is a personal appeal on an issue where I have experience from both sides.

Please carry a donor card. And if ever you are in the sad position of having to decide whether to agree to organ donation from someone close to you, please consider the good you may do. Honour their wishes if they carry a card. If not, then it is your choice; please use the opportunity. I understand just how hard it is at the time – but I can also tell you, because I have had to do it, that afterwards you will feel glad you took the decision to say yes.

Lives can be saved or dramatically improved by organ transplants. From childhood, I had a rare eye condition called keratoconus. Eventually I needed a corneal transplant – not often mentioned when organ donation is discussed, though in fact one donor can save the sight of two people. Being able to see, without discomfort, helps me to write. A stranger's generosity freed me from years of pain and anxiety. I was never able to thank my donor or their relatives, but I shall always remember them. Every time you read one of my books, you too are a beneficiary of their gift to me.

"A Famous Reader -- Minimus in Corduba"

For more information about Minimus, drawn by the talented artist Helen Forte, please visit
  www.minimus-etc.co.uk.