I thought it was about time I gave you a longer update on what’s going on for me now as it’s a while since I’ve sent a message to everyone (mainly because I forgot how!!!).

In terms of being out and about this is now a quiet time of the year which means I’m back at the computer writing again and there’s more info on that below. But first of all thank you all so much again for the double No 1 for Someone Special earlier this year. It was probably the most exciting moment for me in my entire writing career as it really is a thrill to see a book in the number one slot in Ireland and the UK at the same time. Thanks also to all of you who left messages and emailed me to say how much you enjoyed it. I really appreciate hearing from you. The hardback and trade paperback editions of The Pefect Man are available now in ireland, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. They should also be availabe in Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia and the Caribbean. It will be available in Canada in November.

Irish & UK readers – don’t forget to enter The Perfect Man cruise competition! I’m so looking forward to finding out which one of you wins and I promise that you’ll have a great time. Details are at: www.headlinecompetitions.co.uk/cruise

The writing news is that I’m working on the next book, Stand By Me, which will be out later next year. It’s a big, family story and it’ll cover over 20 years. I haven’t written a book that spans a generation since Dreaming of a Stranger and I’m really hoping that you’ll like Domino’s story and how she copes with the things life throws at her…..I’m really enjoying writing about her and the people in her life even though it’s very challenging getting the timeline right! But I like to do different things when I’m writing and make each book special in its own way. I’m always nervous about talking about a book before it’s published in case I jinx it but my fingers are crossed that you’ll enjoy Stand By Me.

I’m also working on a book for the Quick Reads series. These are similar to the Open Door series in Ireland as they are book for people who’ve come to reading late in life and who would struggle with a typical full-length novel. They’re much shorter (about 20,000 words) but I hope that I’ve written a good story which anyone can enjoy. That won’t be published until 2011 but because the right story came into my head I decided that the thing to do was get it down straight away.

To keep fit I’m back playing badminton – though if last night was typical of how I’m going to play for the rest of the season I should hang up my racquet now!!! I couldn’t keep the shuttle inside the lines and I felt so sorry for my partners who normally expect a bit more accuracy from me. Hopefully I’ll get better as the season goes on (can’t honestly get any worse) and our team will do well.

Thanks to all of you for keeping in touch through the website and Facebook Fan pages. It’s a great way to keep up to date with where I’m at and it’s always lovely to hear from you. I’ve set up a new discussion on the Facebook Fan page – what character from my books are you most like? I’m really interested in finding out what people say!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheila-OFlanagan/76757075181?ref=ts

Talk soon

love

Sheila