Wednesday 6 July 2011

Inspirations for Jasmine Skies



I probably have the tiniest writing room in the world. But it's a room of my own! I call it my eyerie; it's where I nest to write my books. There's not much space in here for anything else except me, my chair and computer but I always keep a few objects or photos by my desk to inspire me....




For Artichoke Hearts I had a family photo album, a holey stone and (when they were in season) an artichoke! As my creative writing teacher says in Artichoke Hearts when you are writing you've got to 'let the random in!'

For The Arrival I simply had the photo of my Dad that I've posted in the blog below, and a mind full of wonderful memories.

While writing Jasmine Skies (which is to be published by Macmillan in April 2012) I have a little Jasmine plant that smells gorgeous, and photos I took last year when I went to a cousin's wedding in Kolkata. This beautiful carved door, and what happens behind it is part of Mira's story in Jasmine Skies.  I'll post some more photos from time to time.

25 comments:

  1. I really like your books on Artichoke Hearts and I can't wait to read Jasmine Skies!!!!!

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    1. Thanks so much. I have just worked out how to reply!

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  2. I've just started at high school and I picked your book for bookedup where everyone in year 7 picks a free book to keep and read! I'm on page 133 and I cannot put the book down!
    I love this book and it will always be one for my favourites!
    I cant wait untill Jasmine Sys comes out!

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    1. It's out! Love to hear your thoughts on both books.

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  3. your book is amazing i cant put it down.Every night i have to read it before i go to bed.I just cant wait until Jasmine Skies comes out.this book is my favorite of all times

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    1. Thank you so much. I am very touched by your response.

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  4. I started in year 7 aswell and i choose artichoke hearts it is the best and it will be always the best.cant wait for jasmine skies plz dont let mira and jide break up they r truly in love with each other .i love artichoke hearts

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    1. The booked up scheme is a wonderful one. The heart is many layered.

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  5. I want jide and mira to stay in love with each other

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  6. Jide is annoying. I hope she gets with someone new.

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  7. I've just finished reading Artichoke Hearts for the third time but tears always come to my eyes whenever i read it...
    I LOVE this book and i'll treasure it for the rest of my life!!

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    1. Thanks so much. I am so happy you have enjoyed it. It was written from the heart. I look forward to hearing of your thoughts on Jasmine Skies. Sita

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    2. Have you thought about writing another book after Jasmine Skies?

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    3. Indeed, I am writing it as we speak! However, it is a completely new story!

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  8. So many girls in my class chose artichoke hearts as the book they want for free it's definately one of the best i've ever read and i can't wait to read jasmine skies...
    I really want jide and mira to stay together they r such a sweet couple! (L)

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    1. I look forward to hearing what you think. Jasmine Skies is out in the world right now.

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  9. is there going to be another book after Jasmine Skies?

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  10. oh my gosh i absolutly love artichoke hearts. I am sooo going to get jasmine skies! and after i read that please can you write like another ten books?

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    1. Thank you so much. I would love to. I wish I had started writing when I was younger, but it feels like now that I've started I can't stop coming up with ideas for the next book. I have already started writing it now!!

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  11. Hope that Jide and Mira stay together. Absolutely adorable couple!. Jide is really cool and laid-back, and Mira, is such a sweetheart. I look forward to reading the sequel, Jasmine Skies but maybe not if Jide and Mira drift apart!. No, I will always love your books- they are awesome!. Amazing books, really enjoyed it.

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    1. Well, you must read Jasmine Skies. What I will tell you is that Jide and Mira will always love each other and know each other.

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  12. I love Artichoke Heart- it was so sweet and I couldn't stop reading- I'm in year 8 and I got that book since year 7 and I still READ IT! X :) I really thought it was touching when Nana dies and also Jide's family in Rwanda- the plot is just amazing and can relate to many girls. Keep writing because 99% of all girls in my class (including me) loved your first book... I REALLY want to read JASMINE SKIES
    Biju XxX :)
    P.S Please tell me that Mira and Jide are still a couple is Jasmine Skies- I hope they are

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  13. I loved jasmine skies! Are you going to write a sequel to it? Please do! What will happen to Janu and mira, what will happen to Jide and Mira???......

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