Don’t judge a book by its cover

Britain’s Got Talent is back and I have to say I’m already hooked. This show to me, is a tribute to the human spirit. How it seems everyone thinks they had some sort of talent and it’s probably true. From my own point of view, my number one talent is obviously writing. But – and without blowing my own trumpet – I can also hold a tune, act and in my younger days, dance. So I think when I was younger and bolder, I would probably have auditioned for either BGT or the X-Factor.

People slag off these shows for stopping proper talent getting a chance of being spotted. But I disagree with that, as a writer, it annoys me that people like Katie Price and Kerry Katona get multi-million pound publishing deals to front a ghostwritten book, while people like me and thousands of other talented writers go un-discovered. Showbiz has always been like this, how many actors out there are the sons and daughters of famous performers? Fearne Cotton (she’s been famous for about 5 years and I’m still not sure why) is a distant relation of Billy Cotton, former head of the BBC. So how can it be deemed unfair that someone is made a star of, voted by the very public they will serve to entertain?

But the main focus of my blog today is Susan Boyle. For anyone who didn’t watch BGT, Susan is a plain, rather eccentric 48-year-old spinster who lives alone with her cat. Unemployed, she has been trying for years to make it as a singer, but has no doubt been ignored because of her looks. She is also the sort of person who becomes invisible in society. I bet half her neighbours don’t even know her name. But last night, she finally had her moment in the sun. When she took the stage to sing, everyone cringed, thinking her another nutty wannabe who thought she was Celine Dion. When she said she wanted to be as big as a Elaine Paige (clever as Elaine Paige is about 4’10!) the judges groaned. But when she opened her mouth, the most beautiful voice rang out and within moments, the theatre had come alive. People were rooting for this woman, realising that just because someone doesn’t look like Kylie Minogue or Madonna, it doesn’t mean they don’t have something to offer the world.

I’m not sure Susan can win the show. Last night’s episode was the first of many and I’m sure as week’s go by, other contestants will come along and wow us and by the time the semi finals start, Susan will just be another singer. But for now she’s got the nation talking. She’s exactly the sort of person we Brits like to follow - the underdog who’s been knocked all her life and finally has her chance to shine. What we need to remember is that the world is full of Susan Boyles. People we ignore or scorn because they don’t ‘fit in’. Perhaps we need to take time to get to know our neighbours and realise that within us all is a little light that shines and makes us special.

A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, let's hope it's a good one without any fear

Well here we are, it's almost Christmas and the end of another year.
2008 has been probably the most stressful year of my life. I've become a one woman publishing house; had terrible work worries and took (and failed) my driving test, have bought a car and am now looking forward to failing my test again in January next year.

This time last year I honestly didn't think people would be getting my novels as Christmas presents, but at the sale last week a couple of people bought my books as gifts for other people. It's a nice feeling to imagine someone unwrapping their present to find Summerset or Mad About the Boy in it. I've had a couple of negative comments about the books but that's to be expected. Just look on Amazon at the most popular books and you'll always find negative things written about them. If you're going to put yourself out there as any sort of artist you've got to expect criticism. Look at the whole x-factor thing, many people think Alexandra Burke's version of Hallelujah is the greatest thing since sliced bread but many others (me included) think Jeff Buckley's is the definitive version and therefore he's got to number 2. You can't please all the people all of the time as the old saying goes.

I'm already looking forward to 2009 and the release of Two Become One after Christmas. I'm also taking on my most ambitious project yet, a novel called Liverpool. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a complete plastic Scouser and in my opinion not enough books are written about the city. So far it's going to be an epic love story starting just before the first world war, which means I'm going to have to do a lot of research including a trip up to Liverpool to look in the libraries and museums. The book won't be out until 2010 as I've TBO and Winner Takes All coming out in 2009.

I can't say I'm sorry to see the back of this year and I'm wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful 2009.

If I can drag myself away from mountains of food and Christmas TV. I will be writing my end of year blog next week.

Merry Christmas

Is Reality TV for me?

Autumn’s here and the TV has become awash with reality TV shows (decent ones that is, let’s forget the wash out that was Big Brother 9 this year). Sad as I am, I’m hooked on X-Factor and Strictly Come Dancing and I’m already adjusting my social life so I’m in on a Saturday night. For my American readers, the X-Factor is similar to American Idol and Simon Cowell is one of the judges (Leona Lewis) was discovered on it, and Strictly Come Dancing is our version of Dancing with the Stars. I like SCD because it’s always fun to see celebrities make idiots of themselves. The ones like Jessie ‘Jelly’ Wallace who are so desperate to win are hilarious. The X-Factor is rather like a guilty pleasure. I know the person who wins isn’t ensured a huge career and that it’s all very contrived, but I still love watching it. Some of the contestants this year were pretty rough looking during the auditions so it’ll be fascinating to see them once they’ve had the stylists go to work on them.

At the moment I’m backing gobby, former drug dealer Rachel to win. She hasn’t been equipped with an off switch and acts like a star before she’s even made it, added to this she’s got a great voice (although is a complete facsimile of Amy Winehouse) and if I was a betting woman I’d put her in at least the top three. First to go will be one of Louis’ groups. My money’s on the appallingly dressed Girl Band.

I heard rumours there was going to be an X-Factor style show for authors, hosted by Simon Cowell’s brother. I’m not sure I’d have the guts to enter it. Being rejected by agents etc in the privacy of my own home is one thing, but in front of millions of people is another altogether. Also, how do you make it interesting? Maybe they could dramatise bits of the novel to so people could get a feel for it. Also, I’m not sure I’d want to win something like this anyway (like I would!) as you would forever have the stigma as being the person who won the talent show. Still, if I sold a million novels off the back of it I wouldn’t be complaining.

I received the first version of Mrs Osbourne today. As usual it needs some work done to it, but fortunately on first looking, it appears to be in the layout rather than the words. I will be publishing it on lunchtimereaders once I’m happy with it.

One last thing. Why has Pizza Hut changed its name to Pasta Hut so it sounds healthy? Like eating loads of pasta covered in cheese and goo is any healthier than eating pizza.

Ciao for now x