Blossom

For the first time in I don't know how long, I have NO books to read. Can't afford to buy any for a while, and not able to get to the library - think I'm going to have to do some re-reading! Kerri

Finally made my way to the end of the book. I've come to the conclusion that it was my utter dislike for the main character which tainted the whole book for me. The thing is, I think you were supposed to warm to her as you read through the story, finding out more about her background - that just didn't happen. Just glad I borrowed this book, rather than bought it. Kerri

That's the one. I'm still plodding on with it, as I haven't got anything else to read at the moment, but can't say I'm particularly enjoying it. I've read Adele Parks' books before sure I enjoyed them - perhaps it's just because I don't like the main character, and it's put a negative slant on the book! Kerri

Husbands by Adele Parks was recommended to me by a friend, but I feel like I'm not getting absorbed by it, like I usually do with a good book. I'm finding the Australian character unbelievable - it's as though Adele reseached Australian dialect and then threw some token Aussie sayings in here and there. I hate it when I don't feel as though the characters could be real. In addition, the main character comes across as self-centred and it is difficult to like her (despite the fact that you know she has had a hard upbringing). I want to get to the end, but it is proving to be difficult - usually I read a book in a day or two. I've had this one on the go for several weeks...

I completely agree with your comments with regard to second-hand books. The Oxfam stores in particular look like 'proper' book shops, and charge far more than I expected. Also, with regard to libraries, our local Library is due to close after being around more years than me - I have to believe that the availability and cost of second-hand books is a factor...among others. I only buy second hand books if the book I want is no longer in print. My friend opened an independent book shop in 2005 (taking a huge risk) and finds it very difficult to compete with both large book chain and second hand book-sellers. She has attracted a lot of local authors to do signings, which gets people through the doors, but obviously the 'big names' aren't interested. I hope that her shop doesn't become another statistic... I don't think that buyers necessarily think that they are doing damage to the book sellers who can't afford to absorb losses and to the writers - they are just delighted to get a bargain! Kerri

Hi Carole You've already been kind enough to answer my questions, but someone suggested I should ask you if you had any advice on giving radio interviews. I have been offered my first live radio interview tomorrow and I am incredibly nervous - I am worried that I have nothing interesting to say, and that I'll clam up live on air. Or even worse, that I'll muddle my words up or sound stupid. Do you have any tried and tested tips for me, please (am down on my knees holding hands in a pleading manner)? Thanks, Kerri

The book thongs are really pretty and unusual, and are meant to be used like traditional bookmarks. The only drawback I can see is if you have a book with large dimensions, as the beads would get caught up in the pages... Kerri

I usually use anything that's lying around (often a used bus ticket). However, my friend owns a bookshop and was given a sample of something called a 'book thong'. She gave it to me. It's an alternative to a book mark: a thin string with beads on either end - I wouldn't have bought one, but do like it. Kerri

Hi Carole Nice to 'meet' you. I have two questions for you, one from as a reader, and one as a writer: Firstly, when you write your books, do you ever find your storylines going off on a tangent that you had never considered when you started the book? Secondly, have you ever had to be your own publicist? My first book is due out soon - I'm very shy and finding it hard to promote myself. I'm interested in a successful author's experience of book promotion. Thanks in advance, and please keep writing! Take care, Kerri (writing as Holly A Harvey)