Since the publication of the first in the Poppy Denby Investigates series, The Jazz Files, in September 2015, it has been a flapulous year. Thanks to film producer Dawn Furness for introducing me to that adjective. Since first hearing it I have used it in interviews and press releases, as it so aptly sums up the experience of being an author of books set in the flapper era.
I have had a flapulous time making and dressing in 1920s gear for photoshoots and launches, writing and directing a short book trailer – where I played a suffragette corpse – and visiting book groups and festivals. Thanks to film-makers Tony Glover and Barbara Keating, actress Amber Irish, the Northumbria University costume department, Noelle Pedersen from Kregel, photo editor Mark Richardson, and photographer Ruby Glover. Also not forgetting the photographic and film editing skills of my husband Rodney Smith and his beautiful assistant, our daughter Megan. Hats off too to jazz musicians Yussef Nimer and Jimmy Madrell.
A round of applause is also due to all my friends, family and colleagues who have happily spread the word, attended the launch party and toasted Poppy’s success with very cheap “champagne”. A special word of appreciation is due to Keith Jewitt of Northern Screenwriters, who has been an immense support and is now an honorary flapper.
As always, my fellow authors and members of the Lioness Club have been a great encouragement, as well as the editorial and marketing teams at Lion Fiction and Kregel. Particular thanks to commissioning editor Jessica Tinker, who takes to heart Oscar Wilde’s advice that one should always have something sensational to read on the train. Also to Rhoda Hardie and Remy Kinyanjui of Lion marketing, assistant editor Jess Scott, editor Julie Frederick (all the best with baby number three!) and the design team.
And finally, to all Poppy Denby’s flapulous new fans: the readers and reviewers who have said they can’t wait to read about her new adventures. Well, without further ado, here they are…