Welcome to Bluebell Wood where the sun shines, the locals are kind and there’s something more than a little bit magical about the place.
Welcome to My Creative Notebook, I’ve always been fascinated by the creative process and believe that everyone has their own personal collection of skills and abilities, which just needs time and encouragement to develop.
Finding the time and space to be creative is vital to sustain creativity, one of the most important actions in any day is to seize the moments which sometimes occur when you least expect it; to simply stand and stare, to be inspired by a beautiful view, hear a bird singing, or to watch your family laughing together. Treasure these moments; they form the rich tapestry of living in a creative way.
There are so many amazing sources of inspiration and I hope in this space to share ideas, thoughts, words, books, resources, art, photography, events and interviews, which I hope you will enjoy and find inspiring.
Despite this space being rooted in technology, I see My Creative Notebook as a starting point from which to go and do things!
The Island Home – Libby Page
Lorna’s world is small but safe. She loves her daughter, and the two of them is all that matters. But after nearly twenty years, she and Ella are suddenly leaving London for the Isle of Kip, the tiny remote Scottish island where Lorna grew up.
Interview with Libby Page author of The Island Home and many more!
I've always been fascinated by islands - I love the sea so the idea of being surrounded by water appeals, as does the idea of a community living away from the mainland. I grew up in the South West but have a certain affinity with Scotland; my husband has Scottish heritage and some of our most enjoyable trips together have been in Scotland.
The Orange Grove – Rosanna Ley
An unforgettable story of past love and family secrets, set in sunny Seville. Holly loves making marmalade. Now she has a chance to leave her stressful city job and pursue her dream – of returning to the Dorset landscape of her childhood to open Bitter Orange, a shop celebrating the fruit that first inspired her.
An Endless Cornish Summer – Phillipa Ashley
Rose Vernon is headed to a quiet Cornish village – to find the man who saved her life. For Rose, every day is a gift. She narrowly survived a life-threatening illness and owes everything to her anonymous donor. Determined to thank him, Rose follows a trail of clues that lead her to the little Cornish fishing village of Falford.
Interview with Phillipa Ashley – Author of An Endless Cornish Summer and many more
Most of my books come about from three elements coming together: the central idea, the characters and a location. The idea for a woman – Rose – who was looking for her bone marrow donor was actually suggested by my doctor daughter who used to work at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
The Lucky Escape – Laura Jane Williams
When the day finally comes for ONE CANCELLED WEDDING
Annie to marry Alexander, the last thing she expects is to be left standing at the altar. She was so sure he was Mr Right. Now, she has no idea how she could have got it so wrong
The Summer Holiday – Jo Clegg
Two weeks. Two families. What could possibly go wrong...? Claire Swift can't think of anything worse than another holiday with the Wellbeloved family. The last trip together was a complete disaster - yet somehow, despite Claire's best efforts, they're all off to the Cornish coast again this summer.
Sunrise by the Sea – Jenny Colgan
In a quaint seaside resort, a charming bakery holds the key to another world...Marisa Rosso is struggling. Since the death of her beloved grandfather back home in Italy, she can't seem to find a way out of her grief.
Chasing the Italian Dream – Jo Thomas
Lucia has worked hard as a lawyer in Wales, aiming for a big promotion she hopes will shortly come her way. Finally taking a well-earned break at her grandparents' house in southern Italy, the sunshine, lemon trees and her nonna's mouth-watering cooking make her instantly feel at home.