_ The book cover for Perking the Pansies is done. As threatened, it’s colourful with a lot of pansies and a delicious hint of Turkey. I think it’ll catch the eye on the book shelf. It'll probably glow in the dark. A huge thank you to award-winning author, Paul Burston, who has given such a glowing review. Paul wrote:

"An entertaining story, told with wit and insight"
Paul Burston, author, The Gay Divorcee

I'm really looking forward to presenting the book at the Polari Literary Salon in London early next year. Thank you also to the other reviewers who have given the book the thumbs up. I'm thrilled. You can read them here.

Perking the Pansies available now to pre-order on Amazon.co.uk. Order today and have the book delivered to you soon after it’s published on 15th December 2011.

It'll be on Amazon.com very soon. Watch this space.

_ First impressions are all important. When flirty eyes meet across a crowded bar loins can start to stir (well, mine do anyway). Likewise, food with a flourish can whet the appetite for even the most average of meals. Visual gratification works for books too. Most expat books I’ve read are either dressed to impress with a stunning snap of shrub against a verdant landscape or attract the eye with a colourful comical cartoon. For Perking the Pansies, I’m fishing for something delicious to stand out from the noble crowd. The artistic people at Creationbooth are working up a design to make my mouth water. The Chief Buyer at Fenwick’s of Bond Street is an old friend of mine. She tells me that orange is very on trend this year. Who am I to argue? Expect something vibrant.