Notes from the Cotswolds – July 2021
It’s publication week for Home and I’m incredibly proud to share Anna’s story with you. A story that lived in my head for many, many months before I felt I could do it justice on the page.
For Anna’s story is a love-letter to friendship. For Anna, at least, in lieu of family. But also, I think, it’s a story about finding your tribe.
I have two teenage children, and this is a phrase I find myself turning to time and time again. Not just because I truly believe that, when a group of like-minded souls can come together, all too often the general irritations and negotiations of life are made simpler. But also because this writing life of mine is the best example I can offer.
Because being an author may seem like a solitary profession. Many hours alone, weaving and creating a fictional world, filled with (most biddable) fictional people. Punctuated by the odd moment of insanity when they start misbehaving and their ideas of plot progression turn out to be better than your own!
But I have to tell you that one of the loveliest perks of this job are the people who populate my tribe: other authors – from the newly-minted to the lofty heights of bestselling brands – are some of the kindest, most supportive people I have ever known. And I count myself very lucky to call them my friends.
Being there for each other, even when we couldn’t go anywhere.
And so, as the world opens up again (temporarily maybe) I will continue to champion the notion of finding a tribe – finding a place in the world where you can be yourself, warts and all, and perhaps coming to realise that your ups and downs can be a shared experience. And that you are not alone.
Simply by picking up a book, chatting to your local booksellers, following some book bloggers online, or maybe engaging with your favourite authors’ accounts on Instagram – these are small steps to being a part of something. To finding your tribe.
And so, as I celebrate this publication of my fifth novel – my most challenging novel to date – I can tell you that this ode to friendship is written from the heart. And I cannot wait to share that with you.
Much love
Px
Penny Parkes 