Follow Your Dreams

Woke up this morning and pinched myself, then checked Amazon, no, it definitely wasn’t a dream – my contemporary romance novel ‘United States of Love‘ was released by Harper Impulse last week.

It is set in the lovely historic towns of Chichester and Arundel, both local to me. I thought I’d take the opportunity to share some photos of the settings and scenes for my main characters, Anna, Tex and Mark.

ARUNDEL

Arundel Castle where the creepy curator works

Swanbourne Lake where Anna and Tex find themselves in a nightmare situation

Arundel High Street, looking up towards the castle

Public gardens alongside the River Arun, looking up towards the Cathedral

Bottom of the High Street

 

CHICHESTER

The Cross, Chichester centre, where Mark makes Anna an offer she can’t refuse

An unwelcome surprise awaits Anna in Chichester Cathedral

Chichester Cathedral from Bishop’s Palace Gardens

 

I took the following photo a couple of years ago, which I think speaks for itself. It certainly worked for me and my publishing dream.

City Walls

 

Thank you everyone for your support.

Have a great week.

Sue

x

W is for … A Week in Wellies

W is for a Week of Walking, Water, Woods, Windmills, Words and Wellies

Half term has been a busy week, I instigated Wellie Boot-Camp and dragged my reluctant children out practically every day using well turned phrases like ‘A bit of fresh air will do you good’ or ‘You’ll enjoy it once you’re there.’ I had the week planned out to military precision. Here’s what they had to endure, I mean, enjoy …

Sunday :  Chichester Harbour

Chichester Harbour is a large natural harbour, straddling the counties of West Sussex and Hampshire. The marina cafe is great for tea and cake or a light lunch. Alternatively, you can walk around the harbour to Dell Quay for a lovely pub meal.

Monday :  Halnaker Windmill

Love the walk along Stane Street, an ancient roman road leading from Chichester to London.  I always think the path looks like some sort of  magical vortex.  After about 3/4 of a mile,  you turn off to climb the hill up to the windmill.

A well known Sussex landmark which can be seen for miles around. From the top of the hill, you can see the Isle of Wight and Spinnaker Tower at Portsmouth.

Tuesday : Petworth Park

Just 20 minutes north of me in the South Downs is Petworth Park. A 700 acre National Trust park designed by ‘Capability’ Brown and immortalised in Turner’s painting, it is home to Fallow Deer and ancient trees. Even when the car park is busy, once you’re out in the park you wouldn’t think another soul was about, it feels so empty. 🙂

Wellies very much the order of the day

The view from the folly at the top of the hill was worth the climb

Fallow Deer

Wednesday : Moors Valley

Moors Valley is usually just an hour’s drive from me, but I somehow managed to take a wrong turn and end up in Ringwood. My son thought he would be helpful and navigate via my iPhone but once we got back on the A31 we sailed straight by the slip road we needed. Fortunately a roundabout not much further ahead gave us the chance to turn round. Hooray, we finally reach Moors Valley, a place I have visited many times over the years, but obviously still have directional issues! It’s great for walking and cycling with adventure trails, ‘Go Ape’ and Tree Top Walks.

Tree Top Walk

Thursday : Arundel

The week gradually got colder, by Thursday the wind was bitter and we were all flagging a bit.

We settled for a walk at Arundel, which was made bearable by a pit stop in the local tea shop.

Arundel Castle

Swanbourne Lake

Arundel Cathederal overlooking the town and the River Arun, which is one of the fastest tidal rivers in the country, with lots of dangerous under-currents.

Friday : Whacked Out!

After a week at Wellie Boot Camp, I have given my Unit a ‘R&R’ day, much to their relief.

Mission complete, I can now retire my wellies and relax with a cup of tea and a book

Have a lovely weekend!

Sue

x

(All photographs copyrighted to Sue Fortin)