Monthly Archives: October 2026

After being at the Author’s Showcase last weekend I was wondering what Substack was all about. I investigated the site and thought it looked very interesting so set up my account. At first it was a bit of a mystery but by looking up any questions I had, I eventually manoeuvred my way around and think I am getting there.

The terminology is different from other sites. I wasn’t sure if I was writing a post, a note or an article. What is subscription all about and would it cost money? How would I set up my Substack webpage and welcome email which would go to my subscribers? Is restacking the same as retweeting (or should that be re-xing now?)

The joy for me is not how many likes I get or how many subscribers I get, but the pleasure of reading articles from a myriad of other authors. I think that a ridiculous amount of my time will be spent there, just reading the words of others.

https://substack.com/@enterprisegran

Countdown to next weekend…
Both ‘The Year’ and ‘The Cave Baby’ e-books will be FREE. Two days only, Saturday 31st and Sunday 1st.
I’ll post a reminder at the end of the week.

This morning I attended the Hartlepool Author Showcase at the Community Hub. I met thirty-one brilliant authors. The three hours flew by and everyone was so helpful with the questions I needed to ask. I have come away with many new contacts and a whole list of books I would love to read.

This event was organised by Hartlepool Community Hubs who deserve huge praise for such a well-organised and interesting morning.

There was a knock at the door. It was my lovely neighbour, G. I had given her a copy of ‘The Year’ to read and she was bringing it back. Her face said it all really. Apparently she doesn’t like me any more because I made her cry.

My daughter E read it on holiday and sent me a similar reaction by text message.

Sorry about that, G. Sorry about that, E.

Try ‘The Cave Baby’ and see if it makes you feel better.

I think my love of Appleby-in-Westmorland is obvious in ‘The Cave Baby’. I mention some of my favourite shops in the book so thought I would send some copies to Sean (Low Howgill), Sarah (Appleby Hub) and Catherine (The Little Shops by the Bridge). I hope they enjoy them.

Incidentally, my author photo on the back of the book shows me wearing a dress I bought in Catherine’s shop!

This week I have been pushing ahead with book 3 (which is really book 4 but the real book 3 has been shelved for now.)

I am aiming to do at least 1000 words a day, at which rate it should be published by Christmas.

Thank you to Emma for inadvertently giving me the plot after an incident she experienced.

I also need to thank Lisa for being a first-class literary agent this week on social media. She knows hashtags that I didn’t even know existed!

I am delighted with the bookmarks which came today. I got them from Printed.com and they are perfect. I just wanted a little something to pop in each of my gift books and will use the rest as business cards/ publicity.

I have some author copies of both books to give away so thought I would order some personalised bookmarks and stickers to give with them.

The first proper copies of ‘The Year’ arrived today. There’s something lovely about holding the paperback in your hands knowing the work that went into it. In the last few days I have uploaded ‘The Cave Baby’ too and I should have the proof copy of that one in a few days.

Book three ground to a halt and so it has been abandoned after 30 000 words! I feel that book 4 has more potential so putting more time into that.

The Year is now available on Amazon Books.

https://amzn.eu/d/013aANU7