Lindsey's
Page
Seasons Greetings to all and best wishes for 2012.
It’s been a very tricky summer, much of which I had to spend
lying down during a serious arthritic ‘flare up’ with my spine
and pelvis, considering whether I could ever write again…
I will. Things calmed down, and although it’s impossible to
predict when I’ll be incapacitated next, it will happen. So
there must be changes; readers must accept this, I’m afraid. I
need to limit computer time, which will affect both research and
writing. Instead, I have to spend serious hours every day on
exercises and physiotherapy, just to limit future pain. I will
never again give a talk to readers standing up, which reduces
suitable venues. Events will be more tiring, invitations and
travel will have to be more carefully scrutinised.
Never one to refuse a challenge, despite this I accepted an
appointment as Chair of the Society of Authors. It’s daunting to
do this at such a terrible a time for publishing, with
uncertainty about the promise, or threat, of ebooks, libraries
being closed, independent bookshops reduced to a minimum, Public
Lending Right and intellectual property rights being nibbled
away by mammoth organisations and muddled government. I’ve
always been a very professional author. I write to pay the
bills, and I don't believe that has affected the quality of my
work, unless for the better. And I’ve always campaigned for
authors’ rights, so this will just focus my mind.
New Year Bonanza Book Raffle
We haven’t had a book raffle for a very long time and as I
have found some very old paperbacks, I think it’s time for a new
one. Send your name and postal address to [button] and you’ll be
entered in the draw for a signed copy. Pot luck but if you want
to name a favourite, you never know... The intended draw date is
14 FEBRUARY.
Next Book
Decisions on what to write next were governed to some extent
by the situation outlined above. One major new idea that I was
nurturing has been shelved, at least temporarily. I am now
waiting to see the contract for a new departure – not a Falco,
but you should like it, trust me!
Newsletter
We are hoping to have a Hodder and Stoughton Newsletter to
celebrate publication of Master and God. For readers in
the UK publishing territories (which includes Europe, Canada and
Australia) to receive Newsletters, send your name and postal
address to Lindsey,
HERE
(or to remove yourself or amend your details) Please note this
will be a one-off postal edition, ie probably the last ever
done. In future you will be invited to provide an email address
to receive news in digital form.
I am sorry but we cannot this time send the postal version to
US readers, but if possible the articles will be made available
through this website when the American Master and God is
published.
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.
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