The Awkward Squad
A Readers' Group by Michael Campling
Hello
“A person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours. Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things-a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty.”
― John Grogan, Marley and Me
I sought out this quote because, as some of you may know, we had to say goodbye to our lovely Labrador, Lottie, after a short illness. She was part of our family for a long time, and it's taken us a while to adjust, so that's why there hasn't been a newsletter for a while.
I still walk into rooms half expecting a waggy-tailed welcome, and we miss her a lot, but we know she had a good life. Many of you have sent kind words to Lottie over the years, and I thank you for that. Even in photographs, anyone could see that she was a gentle soul. Lottie barked twice in her life, both times to warn us that a strange person had suddenly appeared on the path in front of us, so she could bark, but she chose not to. That says a lot.
The house is too quiet, but I'm getting back into my routine, and I'm working on the second draft of the next Devonshire Mystery. I've been posting some general updates on the website, too. In the past, I often posted photos and podcast episodes that were created while I was out for a walk with Lottie, so I'll have to work something out.
There are the usual featured photos below, and there's a prize draw question and so on, but first, here are some words of thanks:
Cheers!
A huge thank you to these kind people who have sent me a mug of tea
via ko-fi.com. I'm raising a mug of English Breakfast in honour of these recent supporters:
Rose
Clairey
Tami
David
Doreen
and regular supporter: Lara.
Thank you all for your encouragement and support.
Want to join them?
Prizewinning Poll
In each newsletter there will be a poll or something similar. Take part and I'll choose a winner who will be able to claim a free ebook from my catalogue.
Winners from Last Time:
on Facebook: Karen Lawes
on the google form: Claire Grout
Winners, please reply to this email and tell me which free ebook you'd like.
This month's question:
What is Detective Inspector Spiller's First Name?
Please enter via the form:
Featured Photos
Exeter Quay
The quay in Exeter features in the Devonshire Mystery, Accomplice to Murder, both in the present day story and in the past via a cold case. These days it’s a jolly place to spend a Sunday afternoon, especially when there’s a jazz band playing and people dancing in the street. Mrs C and I had a relaxing afternoon strolling along and checking out the cafes and eclectic shops.
The hand-pulled ferry across the river Exe, and yes, the ferryman looks a little spooky.
Lastly, I’m still running, and this is me after the Totnes 10K trail race. It was a tough course, nearer 11Km long and with hills and some rough tracks, but I did pretty well and I was pleased with my performance. Hopefully I’ll continue running and keeping fit so that I can carry on writing and creating stories.
There are lots more photos on my website and the images there are larger.
View more photos on my website
Book News
Kobo are having a buy-one-get-one-free sale on series starters, so you can sample some new series. Running throughout August 2023, the sale includes the first full-length Devonshire Mystery, Valley of Lies.
More info and links on my site:
michaelcampling.com/free-ebooks-on-kobo/
What's Next?
I'm working as quickly as I can on the redraft of the next Devonshire Mystery, and I'm discovering that it's pretty much impossible to hold every detail from a 200,000 word epic mystery in your head. There's a lot of searching back through the manuscript to check who said what to whom, and when.
Hopefully you'll enjoy the results - it really is a book to get your teeth into.
Audiobook lovers will be pleased to know that I've been looking for narrators for the rest of the Devonshire Mysteries. Audiobooks take a while to produce, but we'll get there. I want to make sure I find the right narrator to bring Dan and Alan to life in audio form.
Thanks again for all your kind words about Lottie. I've had some lovely comments on Facebook and the website. I learned a great deal from Lottie. There was me, thinking I was training her, and all the while, she was teaching me much more important lessons.
Until next time, happy reading and take care.
All the best,
Mikey C
PS: Want More or to Get in Touch?
To contact me or see more content, please visit my website and comment there, or join our Facebook group. Either way you'll get a much faster response than email.
My website: michaelcampling.com
The Awkward Squad group: facebook.com/groups/awkwardsquad
Thank you.
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