Wednesday 5 October 2011

ON THE OUTSIDE, LOOKING IN...

Back from Manchester - one of my favourite cities - where I was doing some work for the Daily Telegraph. I love political party conferences - being on the outside and looking in means that I get to people-watch in a big way. And it's FASCINATING! Interestingly, it's always the most high-profile people with the big jobs who are also the most charming. (And Boris Johnson is about as charming as they get!).

Here I am, sitting in the unbelievably unseasonal sunshine at the gorgeous Lowry Hotel, sipping tea and trying to resist scoffing a second home-baked chocolate chip cookie!


And now I'm back and writing my new book (after an early hiccup when I realised I was going in entirely the wrong direction). It's about a sexy Neapolitan called Ciro D'Angelo - and sweet Lily Scott. Ciro is a man who is used to getting whatever he wants and he wants Lily. It's just a pity she doesn't feel the same way!

I'm quite missing hotel life....having my bed made and room tidied. Having breakfast delivered on a tray with a snowy linen napkin.

So cheer me up and distract me by telling me what's been happening in your world?

12 comments:

  1. Testing, testing - one two three testing.

    Am trying this out for Dan!

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  2. Hmm. I think comment restrictions were somehow the fault of my over-eager security setting on my browser.

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  3. Anyway.. The new book sounds excellent, Sharon.

    I had a wonderful time at my niece's wedding this past weekend. It was truly a magical event.

    Tomorrow, I am off to Detroit and Seattle for a bit of business travelling. I much prefer travelling for pleasure. The freedom from schedules and appointments is liberating. I rarely have a set itinery when on vacation; I prefer to wander off the beaten path... It's the only way to discover the hidden gems.

    (Sorry about my previous commenting troubles. I seem to have fixed it..)

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  4. Oohhh call me nosy, but are you allowed to say what you will be reporting on from the conference? What am I doing? Obsessing about my NV entry of course - along with most of my mates out there in blog land! Caroline x

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  5. Sounds like you had a blast in Manchester.
    I'm looking forward to some hotel R and R myself in Palm Springs next week - with a dash of retro kitsch.
    Have any of your plots ever included an American, rather than Arabian, desert?
    Really looking forward to seeing the northern hemisphere stars!
    J

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  6. Caroline - I wasn't "reporting" but doing corporate stuff, like helping with the Telegraph's legendary party - which was stuffed with cabinet members and broadcasting legends. So much rich material there - just a shame that politicians don't make popular heroes!

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  7. Jack, no I've never featured an American desert - perhaps you could report back on what it's like?

    And Dan, do you think you could give me a five-word description to sum up Seattle? It has always fascinated me since that film with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

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  8. 5 words would be tough, Sharon. It's really a great city. But I'll give it a try...

    Vibrant. Musical. Multi-layered. Intellectual. Green.

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  9. These are GREAT words, Dan - and very evocative. I now want to go to Seattle!

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  10. OMG, you're a Conservative. I was hoping you were liberal.

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  11. Lloyd, I'm disappointed in you! I am liberal...didn't you read the title of this blog?

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  12. Boris Johnson is indeed about as charming as they get. Which is to say, not very. Shudder.

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