Hi,

I went to Norway a couple of weeks back, which was a somewhat unplanned adventure. It involved three flights: Cork to Amsterdam, on to Bergin, then on to Tromso, in the Arctic Circle. My husband, who is doing a PhD in Quaternary Landscape Studies, signed on for a conference there and I went along for the holiday. We were lucky with the weather, which can apparently be as inclement as it is in Ireland. We had clear blue skies, warm days, and snow on the mountains. We packed some seriously warm clothes that we didn't need. It was a strange experience, being in the land of the midnight sun on midsummer night (quite by chance). The Norwegians are friendly and most speak excellent English. The scenery is amazing; but, oh, the price of beer!

There is an annual midnight sun run in Tromso, so the town was heaving for a couple of days. I spent a couple of days exploring the town while my husband attended lectures. Almost every shop had a stuffed animal of some kind: polar bears, arctic foxes, brown bears, reindeer, elks, even a baby seal, which I found rather disturbing. There was also a rather naff display of 'trolls' in one tourist shop, but I suspect some people found it amusing. Before conference obligations commenced, we went on a boat ride up a fjord, where we learned some interesting facts about Norway's culture and past. It was stunningly serene. To complete the conference, my husband signed up for a walk to a glacier, and I signed up for the 'easier' option, a walk up an alpine meadow. Easy it was not! I was undoubtedly the oldest person there, and a very nice Italian girl kindly kept an eye on me seeing me puffing my way up and wobbling my way down. I was totally self-satisfied at having achieved the walk without having to call out mountain rescue. Apparently five-year old Norwegian children do this walk. Well, I'm not five, and my days of mountain walks are clearly numbered! But the Norwegians do seem a healthy lot, on the whole. Possibly because they can't afford the food, never mind the beer...

A lake at high altitude, near the top of the alpine meadow.

WRITING AS DAISY O'SHEA

The first book, 'The Irish Key' came out as a trade paperback in Waterstones in June. Whoopie, I thought, and took myself off to enjoy the moment. After a search, I was obliged to ask for help. A single copy was located on the bottom shelf of a vast rank of books. Hm. Underwhelmed was the word of the day. However, I dutifully recorded the moment.

As well as being published as audiobooks, and being published in Czechoslovakia, Belgium and Norway, the first three in the series are now scheduled for translation into German for 2026. The fifth book in the series is now seriously underway. Having my elderly mother living with us is definitely intruding on my writing time, but we are gradually learning to accommodate each other's needs.

Bookouture are promoting The Irish Family Secret, (link via the image below), for 1.99 on Amazon US and Amazon Canada, on 9th August, for anyone who hasn't yet read it.

- -

If you haven't already read my FREE short story in this genre, it's still available. Collection will sign you up to Bookouture's mailing list, from which you may unsubscribe at any time.

WRITING AS CHRIS LEWANDO

All of the novels in this series have been priced down to 99c (Amazon US) 9th and 10th August. If you do read The Recovery of Children please remember it's queued for a professional edit. My brilliant editor has now been offered a full time editorial position in a publishing house, which is great for her, sad for me.

I reiterate my request for reviews. It's a 'Catch 22' on Amazon that a higher number of reviews attracts more readers. If you have read one and haven't posted a review, please consider doing so. It would be most appreciated.

- - -

ALSO, WRITING AS SUE LEWANDO

A long time ago I wrote six simple romances, the rights of which have reverted to me. I have re-published them under the name Sue Lewando. The covers I temporarily made are fairly dreadful, so I am having new covers created. I find this first one, below, quite charming. This book also will be knocked down to 99c (Amazon US) 9th and 10th August. I'd appreciate a few reviews!

Thank you for being interested in my amazing publishing journey. All the best until next time.

Daisy O'Shea / Chris Lewando

I do hope you wish to continue to follow both my publishing journey and my website storyboards of life here in Ireland. However, if you do not, please make use of the unsubscribe button at the foot of this newsletter.