Quartet

If you haven't seen this movie yet you're in for a treat.  Initially, the theme of old age might not seem to be promising material for entertainment in an era that worships the cult of youth, but director Dustin Hoffman has proved this to be untrue.  His handling of the theme is masterly.  A wonderful script did no harm either.  Given the material, it would have been easy to stray into sentimentality or condescension here, but that never happens.  What this film does instead is to explore the anxieties, frustrations, and unintended hilarities that are attendant on growing old.  In this it was unflinchingly truthful.  The result was thought-provoking and moving on many levels.  Most of all, this film speaks about what it means to be human.

The eponymous quartet, played by Pauline Collins, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay and Maggie Smith, are former colleagues who are reunited at Beecham House, a retirement home for opera singers and musicians.  Financial difficulties have put the home at risk, but the residents plan to use their talents to save it by means of a gala concert and fundraiser.  If the quartet will agree to perform together once more then the money is assured.  After all, what opera fan wouldn't give an arm and a leg to hear four of the world's greatest singers at one time?  However, temperamental prima donna Jean Horton (played by Maggie Smith) has lost her confidence and refuses to take part. The others must find a means to persuade her before it's too late.

Meanwhile, as the layers are peeled away and we learn more about the members of the quartet, the personal and professional connections are revealed along with a touching and beautiful love story.  Each of these individuals, and indeed the entire supporting cast, give superb performances but, for me, Pauline Collins was outstanding in her portrayal of a woman struggling with dementia.  It was totally convincing, utterly heart-breaking and delivered with the kind of understated finesse that, I suspect, comes only after a lifetime of practising the craft. 

What also makes this movie so memorable is its incredible feel-good factor.  With this subject matter you could be forgiven for thinking it couldn't possibly have any, but it does, and how.  No giveaways here though.  Go and see it for yourself. 

Well, here we are again.  One year ending and a new one about to begin.  In fact it already has in some parts of the world.  I was eating lunch when the sound of celebrations came over the airwaves from Auckland, New Zealand.  Although there are a few hours still to go here in England I wanted to get 2013 off to a good start.  I haven't made any resolutions as such but I have put a New Year Contest on my website.  There's a chance to win a copy of my new book, The Caged Countess, which comes out on the 1st January.  All you have to do is answer a simple question correctly and you're in with a chance.

In the meantime, if you're partying tonight, I hope you have a great time, and wish you all a happy and prosperous 2013.

Joanna's Day

My contest for the Advent Calendar is up and running so be sure to get your entry in.  You could win a beautiful Blue John pendant.  This rare and highly prized semi-precious stone is found only here in the Peak District.  I chose it for that reason, wanting to offer something that had a strong and unique Derbyshire connection.   That thought seems to have resonated with quite a few people so thanks for the positive feedback, folks.  More details about this giveaway can be found on my website.

Meanwhile, I have been attempting to get to grips with Christmas.  Usually this means a last-minute panic but this time I have actually started early.  Early for me, that is.  Everything is relative.  The price of postage has rocketed though so I've resorted to emails instead of putting bulky letters in cards.  A lot of people are doing the same, especially those who live overseas.  Otherwise we'd require a small mortgage just to post a handful of mail.

Alongside this is the novel I'm trying to finish and author amendments for another story.  By the time I get that lot done I'll be ready for a few days off.  With that thought in mind I'll get back to work.

Going Over the Tops

The Harlequin Historical Authors Advent Calender has got off to a flying start this year.  Thanks to everyone who has supported us so far.  Keep checking each day for details of the different contests you can enter.  Don't forget, my day is the 6th December.  Answer a simple question and you could win a beautiful Blue John pendant.  More details can be found on my website.

I went over to Castleton recently in order to collect the prize for this contest.  For those of you who aren't locals, Blue John is a rare semi-precious stone unique to the Peak District of Derbyshire.  It is highly-prized and has been mined here since Roman times. 

The drive over the tops to Castleton is truly scenic and I'd chosen a beautiful day to do it, but it was also perishing cold.  I really regretted not wearing my thermals.  On the plus side it was a good excuse to visit a tea shop and warm up a bit.  While I was there I took some pics as well.  Mam Tor and Peverell Castle certainly looked dramatic in the late afternoon light.  Take a look and get a flavour of the place. 



 




Lift Off!

The Harlequin Historical Authors Advent Calendar is now up and running.  Follow the link on the home page of my website.  You could be a couple of clicks away from winning a prize.  Good luck and enjoy.

One Day To Go!

There's just one day left before the Harlequin Historical Authors Advent Calendar goes live.  Don't miss out on your chance to win one (or more) of our great daily giveaways.  Remember, all entries will also be entered for the Grand Draw at the end of the contest which means you could win a Kindle Fire HD.  The more times you enter the better your chances of winning.  The relevant links will be posted on this blog.

My day on the Advent Calendar is the 6th December.  Look out for more details here.

In the meantime, I'd like to say thanks to my writing buddies in the novelists' group for their critical insights yesterday evening.  It's always much appreciated.  Writers get so close to their work that they don't always see it.  That sounds like a paradox but it's true.  Getting fresh insights to the process is invaluable.  I can't believe I actually used the same word ten times on one page and didn't even notice! (My former record for this was five.) My excuse is that it was only a first draft.  Sounds better than 'Joanna's losing the plot' though.

While I've been slaving over a hot keyboard my lovely husband has spring cleaned (autumn cleaned?) the kitchen and done the hoovering.  He's done a wonderful job too.  He's always been a practical sort of bloke who can fix leaking pipes and mend boilers, but that kind of quiet domestic support really means a lot.  He's a good cook as well.  And before anyone asks, no, I certainly wouldn't swap him.

Okay, it's back to the Dark Ages for me.  My heroine is in a spot of bother and needs rescuing.  Cue for entry of gorgeous hero...

Two Days to Go!

On the 28th November the Harlequin Historical Authors Advent Calendar goes live.  That means you have the chance to win a giveaway every day from then until the 24th December.  Don't forget there's also a Grand Draw at the end of the contest giving you an opportunity to win a Kindle Fire HD.  I'll post the links on this blog.  My part of this contest will be on the 6th December.  Details will be posted here later so look out for those.

Meanwhile, the rain, wind and cold have provided good reasons for staying indoors and working on the latest book.  Well, that a looming deadline of course.  I'm about halfway through the story at the moment.  This one is proving great fun to write.  I always say that, until I run into a plot wall. Touch wood, it hasn't happened this time and so I've been able to immerse myself in 9th Century Norway without any such annoyances.

I did take time out on Saturday morning to go over to Bakewell for a couple of hours.  Apart from the fact that it's one of my favourite local places, the monthly Farmers' Market was on.  The Christmas Market was an added bonus. I didn't realise it was taking place until I arrived.  It was good to see the town so busy, and the atmosphere was great.  Even though it was perishing cold the stallholders somehow managed to keep smiling. The lovely lady on the pashmina stall said that the secret was to wear Artic-quality thermals because they work in Derbyshire as well.  Must bear that in mind.  Anyway, I treated myself to a few goodies as well as doing a bit of Christmas shopping.  Maybe I'll avoid the usual last-minute panic this year.  Ever the optimist.

Last but not least, I want to wish my friend and writing buddy, Leonie Martin, a very happy birthday today.  Have a good one, Leonie!