How long does a book

How long does a book have to be these days? My understanding when I began this game a decade ago was that the standard Regency romance would be around 70k words but those I have read recently seem to be getting shorter. Is that true or not true? One I read in the last year, by a very famous author, had pages and pages of sex and very little actual story. A little is sort of expected these days but extended pages scream (to me) that the author couldn't think of more story. 

Deadline approaching on latest book but I have no cover for it yet. Tried Shutterstock a couple of times but nothing that suits and since I paid for a set of 5 and still have 2 to take, I won't be looking anywhere else unless I become truly desperate. (Can't break the habits of a lifetime!) Must keep checking!

The pic is of the entry to Prudhoe Castle but this time, looking out. English Heritage held an open day ay on 2nd May and hopefully, this means the castle, which has been closed for several months, has begun a programme of events and open days. 

When music turns deadly

SOME THINGS NEVER TURN OUT THE WAY YOU PLAN…

DI Jess Carter is used to blending in. In Hexham’s bustling market town she can slip through the crowds unnoticed — exactly how she likes it. She’s finally living the life she dreamed of, and nothing could make her happier…

Until the night a brutal murder shatters the calm.

Thrown into the unfamiliar world of ceilidh bands, Jess leans on Rory and her small team to navigate rivalries, jealousies, and the fierce competition between two groups desperate to secure a coveted wedding gig — and the recording contract that comes with it. Jess suspects the temptation has proved too much for someone, and emotions have spiralled into violence.

But when a second body is found in the aftermath of the wedding, Jess realises the killer isn’t finished — and the truth is far more tangled than she imagined.

Suspense, romance, and sharp humour collide in this fast‑paced mystery.

A mature, character-driven Regency Novel

 Been working hard in between bouts of sitting in the sun with a glass of wine to hand over the last month but now  the weather has turned cold again,  witness the near frost cover on the garden this morning. So far none of my plants have succumbed, thank goodness.  

The working hard bit concerns a mature, character-driven Regency Novel Homecoming but the bulk of it is done now at first draft stage so it could ready for the summer reading holiday scene. No promises! 

We've had the snowdrops, the primroses, the daffodils now is the time for wild garlic. The woods around here are full of it, to the point it seems to be choking out the bluebells which seem weak this year. Certainly no carpet of blue as yet. Only a few small, stubby little heads poking up through the white and green.

Saw the finale of The Capture last night and now looking for a fourth season. What twisty minds some authors have, but full marks to Ben Chanan, the creator, writer and executive producer for the series. It was an entertaining series that kept me second guessing all the way through.

Who knows without reports?

My reports from KDP are odd. Google says KDP is "experiencing intermittent functionality
issues " - to me that means faults - the KDP platform is operational but authors have
reported books getting stuck in the review/draft phases.

There's also delayed reporting which is my major concern.

Google reports faults and complaints across the whole KDP platform. I know one or two of
their data centres have suffered bomb damage during the raids on Saudi and Bahrain and I can understand that would cause problems.

They may not be operating 100% but at least I am not losing money - except for royalties
which I may not have earned anyway. Who knows without reports?

KDP error rates

 Kindle Direct Publishing has suffered severe disruption over the last few days. 

Google reports that Iranian drones caused significant structural damage to Amazon data centres in the United Arab Republic and Bahrain. Two data centres suffered direct hits which led to fire and water damage and power outages. Since the USA and Israel attacked Iran, Iran retaliated by targeting the data centres because they supported enemy military and intelligence activities.

KDP clients experienced error rates and static reports. Amazon warns that recovery would be prolonged and certainly I have noticed problems for the last three days. There may be signs of recovery this morning, but I'm not holding my breath.

I am wondering if I should not consider Israel the biggest terrorist group in the world. They don't seem to care how many civilians they kill. 

The temperature dropped

Found the blackthorn tree in flower last week. Such a pity the skies were grey because blue sky and sunshine would have made this photo so much more impressive!

The garden was just starting to sprout new shoots and splashes of colour with daffodils and crocus and after two splendid sunny days in which we sat out and enjoyed a glass of wine, a night hit where the temperature dropped down to minus 2 degrees C.

(Which I suppose is about 28 F though nobody in the world (but the USA!) still uses Fahrenheit.)  Today all the new buds are hanging their heads, wilted and  white with frost. They are not used to such cold conditions here in our temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters, cool-to-warm summers, and high, consistent rainfall due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream. the UK rarely experiences extreme temperatures, with average winter temperatures around 0–5°C and summer averages of 15–20°C. Which is I suppose is why a surprise cold snap is always a shock!

Here's hoping the plants recover. 

More adventures with Jess and Rory - and with a low price for the first week after publication!

 WHEN MUSIC TURNS DEADLY, EVERY BEAT COUNTS.

DI Jess Carter loves the anonymity of Hexham’s market town — a place where she can slip through the crowds unseen and finally enjoy the life she’s built.

But when a musician is murdered, Jess is dragged into the competitive world of ceilidh bands, where rivalries run deep and the prize of a high‑profile wedding gig — and a recording contract — has pushed tempers to breaking point.

With two bands desperate to outplay each other, Jess leans on Rory and her small team to untangle secrets, jealousies, and long‑buried grudges.

And when a second body is found after the wedding celebrations, Jess realises the killer isn’t finished — and the truth is far more dangerous than she imagined.

A gripping mystery laced with warmth, wit, and Northumbrian charm.

MY NEW BOOK IS COMPLETE AND WILL BE OUT BY THE END OF FEBRUARY! 

More adventures with Jess and Rory  - and with a low price for the first week after publication!

I typed the last words earlier this week and spent yesterday uploading it to KDP. So far all is looking good