Visiting: Lovely Susan Jane Jones, founder of the
monthly Giggle Blog, features an interview with a People’s Friend writer every
month and this month it’s me! You can read the interview here.
I Recommend: If I am ever asked to name my favourite
writers, the late Deric Longden is always very high on my list. I have read and
reread his books probably more than any other writer. Deric’s family have put
together some of his typescripts into three new collections on Kindle. I knew
when I was reading the excerpts on Amazon and I was laughing so much I had
tears running down my face that I had to have them. Wonderful writer.
The collections are: RadioTimes: Take 1 Radio Times: Take 2 and
Tailpieces.
Also, Suzanne Ross Jones has
a new book out, a sweet romance, It Had to Be You (Kinbrae Kisses) and at the moment it is just
99p.
And if that’s not enough for
you, it is now possible to get the late Robert Holdstock’s books on Kindle and
I am currently re-reading his Night Hunter series.
Which brings me to…
The Small Adventurer: I’ve started taking Dusty for walks. I had
forgotten how indefatigable a young and healthy springer spaniel is. He’s met
some other dogs “Eeek scary! You may sniff my nether regions while I do my impression
of a sprinkler!” some people “Well, hellooo – you may tickle my tummy while I
do my impression of a sprinkler!” He’s seen bikes “meh” lorries “meh” buses
“meh” horses “What the…? Meh” the beach “Ugh - oh hang on… is that WATER? Wow!”.
His most frightening experience
so far was seeing a Dachshund barking and nipping at a jogger's legs,
then the jogger retaliates with a kick followed by lots of shouting and bad
language. Not sure which one he found the most scary - dog, outraged jogger or outraged dog owner!
My most frightening
experience… letting him off the lead and watching him hare off.
See that little dot in the
distance?
This is zoomed in. At least
he’s coming back to the whistle! He’s having a great time, but me – I’m terrified! So many dangers and distractions out there for a small adventurer.
I'll go and look up that interview, Teresa. And I had to sayt hat I too love Deric Longdon's books. I laughed and cried over Diana's Story years ago on the tube in London, and Lost For Words was just as good. Btw have you seen the film of Lost For Words, with the wonderful Thora Hird? It's a small masterpiece, and available on DVD now (end of comercial...).
ReplyDeleteOh yes, Frances - Thora Hird was fantastic as his mum wasn't she. I would love to see it again and will look for it on DVD x
DeleteThat was a great interview. I followed the link back to your blog, too, and re-read your post from way back - I'd forgotten just how good it was.
ReplyDeleteAw, Dusty - I know it must be scary to let him go, but those photos are lovely and you can sense his joy at being able to run. :0)
Thank you so much for mentioning my book.
xxx
Thank you, Suz - yes he is very happy off the lead. I worry more now because I can't run like I used to so if he did get in a pickle or go too far it would take me an age to waddle after him ;-) x
DeleteGosh, he's grown, and galloping. So funny to see the reactions, and sprinkling seems to be his hobby at the moment. Oh, looking forward to more Dusty adventures. Also, will look up those funny stories. xx
ReplyDeleteHe's growing before my eyes, Susan! Walking anywhere takes an age though because he keeps sitting down - unless we're on the way home, then he's galloping! x
DeleteI heard Deric Longden at a writers' conference many years ago and he was very entertaining. Love your description of taking Dusty for a walk!
ReplyDeleteI have heard that he was a genuinely lovely man, Rosemary. I wish I could have gone along to one of his talks xx
DeleteHe looks like he's going to wear you out!
ReplyDeleteHe already has, Patsy! But I am so enjoying getting out and about with him x
DeleteOh I shall look up your interview now! And thanks for the recommendations. Not sure I could cope with a puppy running away from me like that. I'd never be able to catch him!! But the walk way looks lovely - perfect setting for musing on a new story plot! :) Edith
ReplyDeleteI could never catch him Edith if he decided to run. I am relying heavily on a pocket full of chicken and a whistle :-) It is a lovely walk down there - marshes and the sea on one side, dykes and farmer's fields on the other x
DeleteOh look at Dusty FLY!! What an adventurer! Love that he took to water! LOL!! Awwwww of course you are anxious when he runs off like that - he's totally precious!! I don't even know where to begin with the jogger/daschund/owner scenario! So many many things wrong there! :-(
ReplyDeleteThank you for the intro to Deric's works and all the best to Suzanne! Hoorah for Susan! Take care
x
Yes, Kitty - it was rather disturbing the dog/owner/jogger business on many levels.
DeleteDusty tries to fly down the stairs sometimes - he takes off from about six steps up, but thankfully his bed is at the bottom and he has a soft landing x
Lost for Words was absolutely wonderful wasn't it - brilliant script and amazing acting. Oh now the adventures start with Dusty! You weren't sure about the name were you but he just is - Dusty!! :o) xx
ReplyDeleteThe book is even better, Sue. Dusty - sometimes known as Dustbin - you can imagine why :-) x
DeleteI enjoyed your interview on Sue's blog, Teresa. Great to hear what you had to say about writing for PF.
ReplyDeleteMy son has a 12 month old Welsh springer called Poppy. She's beautiful but is full of energy and her energy is keeping him on his toes!! Life is one big adventure for her too!
Thank you, Jan. Ah a Welsh springer, how gorgeous. Wish it was possible to borrow some of that energy, just for a little while x
DeleteLovely photos of Dusty learning how wonderful it is to be a young dog and able to run free but with a lovely Mum to run back to! Enjoy his exuberance and thanks for sharing the photos! xx
ReplyDeleteHe's brought such joy, Lydia - and I know you know exactly how I feel x
DeleteWhat an adventure for Dusty - good job he will never Bonnie on a walk (now that would be scary for him!)
ReplyDeleteAw bless her, she's lovely - and nowhere near as scary as the huge white dog that ran up behind us this morning and jumped on him! I bet Bonnie wouldn't do that x
DeleteYou're going to have lots of fun with Dusty! He's a lovely dog, and this is a lovely post too. Thank you, Teresa, I've enjoyed reading it x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sharon. He is lovely and he already looks more like a mini dog than a plump puppy x
DeleteSo lovely to see Dusty 'in action'- the small adventurer suits him. :)
ReplyDeleteHe is definitely adventurous, Carol! He's been eyeing up the dykes, trying to decide whether to jump in or not - thankfully so far he's decided not! x
DeleteOh it's awful, that first time when you see them go galloping off on their own. You wonder if that's it! You've gone and lost them already! But he looks so happy, bounding back to you. Aaah. x
ReplyDeleteHe looks happy because of the piece of chicken in my hand, Joanne ;-) x
Delete