Oh this is new :).. updated every Sunday morning

What’s going on away from the book .. 

The intention is to run a weekly update on what’s going on at Honey Lane. A snippet now and then about Lieve and Jimmy and what they are up to away from Witch Queen Bee? … plus any up to date news from their Author.

Sunday 19th April – Apologies for the break in the weekly blog, things happen in all families and very sadly mine is no different. We are not immune from sudden death and it has rocked us all. I am beginning to work again, by picking up the threads of the third book, Witch Bee My Love, ironically in this story line an Auntie is presumed dead… Which witchy auntie? – No news on the release of the second book Witch Bee My Name as yet, but I do expect word any day.

Saturday 4th April – I have to say its been a quiet week, as I have been off my feet with a serious arthritis flare up – but during this time – I have been working hard on the third book in the Witch Bee My series. I have also been informed Witch Bee My Name will be published this month. As soon as I have a definite date, I will post it. I sound very calm about this ha ha. let me tell I am NOT, the first book Witch Queen Bee was super exciting but the second book oh my I am so proud of the second book, its very different still of course with all the characters you have come to love and a few more, but a storyline that will grip and amaze. I can’t wait 🙂 – But what have Jimmy, Lieve, Farid and Aisha been doing this week – let me tell you they have been running around in circles chasing clues. A vague partial message has been spotted on a sack – in the sack, dumped at Lieve’s gate, were four abandoned kittens.

Sunday 29th March – Wow what a blessing this week another visit to Star Salford Academy, High School, Longhaw Drive, Little Hulton. Worsley, Manchester. This week I was absolutely delighted when Shania and Lacie asked to be characters in a future book. Shania knew who I was immediately because she said she has read Witch Queen Bee thank you sweetie it made every single effort worth it. I am over the moon that you enjoyed it so much. The competition for a book cover design is hotting up. The plan is to have six finalists. The first one to make the finals, made me say WoW as soon as I saw it. Thank you Sofia, from Star Salford Academy, it’s amazing 🙂 I love it. The finalists will be shown on the Coming Next page – starting off with Sofia’s 🙂

Sunday 22nd March – Witch Queen Bee author accepted an invitation from the Star Salford Academy, for a full afternoon last Wednesday, a newly built high school in Little Hulton, Worsley. What an amazing afternoon. Four students jumped at the challenge of role play as, two bullies, Andy and Chris with Jimmy and Lieve. ha ha I know you were sorry kids when it ended.. stars in the making 🙂 Thank you, Mr Jamie Metcalf, English Teacher for taking the time to set up a subject free writing session to close the afternoon. You have set the standard high kids. A second invitation has been accepted with delight, for another afternoon in the coming week. thank you 🙂

Sunday 15th March – News in the last week has been all work related, I am making good progress with the third book in the series, current working title WBML A publishing date for the second book Witch Be My Name .. Apologies, I can only confirm it will be this month .. it’s entirely up to my publishers. All I can say is I am so excited about the second book, having introduced Jimmy, Lieve, their families and friends in Witch Queen Bee. It’s a completely different aspect of family history and extreme danger. I am chuckling to myself now, I want to spill the beans so much but I also can’t wait to see this fabulous story in book form. Plans for the coming week … I am taking Witch Queen Bee to the Star Saford Academy having been invited by the Head of their English Department.

Sunday 8th March – Its been a fabulously, fantastic and most interesting week. The cover for my 2nd book Witch Be My Name has now been set in stone 🙂 the blurb for the back, well I am happy with my effort, I am waiting to hear back from my publisher. They are unpredictable creatures publishers, a reply can take a day or a week or two .. frustrating yes, but hey thats life, they are busy people. Thursday I took Witch Queen Bee, to a local school, St Ambrose Barlow RC and I had the most fabulous afternoon. Two hundred and ten children in the school hall, and every single child plus their teachers were involved and engrossed. I created ‘casting sheets’ for a little role play, the tallest boy in year 6 and the smallest boy to play Andy Lazar, the bully and Jimmy, Lieve’s saviour. Well done lads you were fantastic 🙂

Friday I was at Atherton Library for something very new thats come over from Denmark .. the Human Book Link it was described as like speed dating but questions being fired at me under the timing system, three minutes per question. Twenty students aged 14 / 15 from Atherton High School. I will admit I wasn’t really looking forward to it .. but what a fabulous experience it was 🙂 if you get the chance to take part .. grab it. thank you Wigan Libraries for the invitation.

I should have been at a local craft fair yesterday sadly I couldn’t make it. Turning my head too often the day before in Atherton Library has triggered an arthritis flareup so a few days R and R.

Sunday 1st March – It’s been a busy week, without a lot of running around. I am working on the third book in the series. A few local schools have jumped at the opportunity to be involved in creating the cover of the third book which is fantastic. Thank you. I am waiting on the release date of my second book in the series, Witch Bee My Name .. and will update the site as soon as I know.

Whats been going on at Honey Lane .. Jimmy’s in trouble for talking in class and the teacher has set him a thousand word essay on plumbing! .. no wonder they call her Fiery Brymstone!

Sunday 22nd February. School half term holidays in the last week so it’s been time for a little R and R. Aisha has joined a local dance troupe, with the intention of performing at Bangladeshi weddings. Whilst Aisha is very excited about it, this means Lieve has only the company of Jimmy and Farid. With no interest in football, Lieve is a little lost and can’t wait for school to start again.

Plans for their Author this coming week, exciting stuff .. I am going to visit my old primary school, Lower Kersal Primary, in my day the lovely Mr Gale was the headmaster and my final secondary school, was St. Lawrences on Weaste Lane in Salford .. it has since moved and had a name change …. All Hallows Business Enterprise and Sports College but for me it will always the great memories of ‘Lawries.” I also intend to call in, at Lancashire Martyrs, and the Lowery Academy, I have three more schools on my list .. will it be yours? 🙂

Sunday 15th February: Its certainly been a busy week. I have had posters made, to promote a competition around local schools. I would love for a local child to create a design for my third book cover. I have previously painted the cover characters myself and the talented Kate McCracken has worked her magic on the backgrounds – but – I had an inspired thought when talking to a class from St. Richards, Atherton. I gave it careful consideration and took it from there. Posters designed by me, and created by Vista Print are going to local schools as and when I can get there along with posters in public libraries. It’s so exciting. 🙂 but the excitement didn’t stop there …

My first book Witch Queen Bee is a standard size paperback. 5 X 8 with 368 pages. However my second book Witch Be My Name at that same size would be a whopping 600 pages so my publisher has suggested going up in size. It might seem like nothing to anyone else but it’s a seriously big deal. 🙂 There will be more news on the progress of my 2nd book as soon as I know. In the meantime what are Jimmy and Lieve up to .. it’s more Jimmy and his best pal Farid this week, as with Lieve’s dad, Loc, they are trying to rear an abandoned poorly sick raven chick. .. “Jimmy watched his pal hover over the isolation pen. Farid peered into the pen, with his nose close to the wire walls. He prayed half in Hindu and half in English. Jimmy put his hand on Farid’s shoulder, “Why did you do that, pray in both languages?” Farid turned his head to look at his best pal and with a cheeky grin he said, “I’m hedging my bets in case one God is busy.”

Sunday 8th February: No news to report on the my second book as yet .. but its been an eventful week. Wednesday I was at Atherton Library with year 6 pupils from local school St. Richards. We had a fun time, with one boy playing the role of Andy Lazar, the school bully and the smallest boy in the class played Jimmy. You were stars boys thank you xx 🙂 A signed copy of Witch Queen Bee was won by Adrian Kapczur for his school library. Though I believe the whole class are claiming it first 🙂 .. I love school library visits, you just never know what children will come out with and it’s great fun. Here are just a few of the questions asked by the delightful pupils.

How did you decide on the bully?

I was bullied in school by a girl, so this bully has to be a boy.

Why did you think of writing about witches?

I have a degree in Homeopathy, that is natural medicine from plants and herbs etc. In the olden days they were known Hedgerow Witches.

How many times did you rewrite the book ?

I went through four stages of editing. Each one was a massive learning curve. I cried when my editor sent my manuscript back with slashes of red but I learnt such a lot and now editing for me is the best part of writing.

Where can we buy the book from?

Amazon or I can drop so many off at school.

Direct link to Witch Queen bee ion Amazon. https://amzn.eu/d/0h3A2N4g

Why did you write about bees?

I heard Sir David Attenborough talking about bees, and it fired me into action. We all have to do whatever we can.

Why is Lieve called Be Lieve ?

Because her parents believed one day they would have a little girl.

Why are all her family called Be something ?

It’s an old Saxon custom the surname comes first and relates to their trade/ work. Lieve’s ancient family were beekeepers.

How long did it take you find a publisher?

Seven months .. and yes I was very very lucky. I had been offered four contracts before this and they were not the right type of contract for me. The first contracts were known as vanity contracts .. , My book can stand on its own. It is worth more than a vanity press .. I believed in my book.

What made you want to write a book?

I have wanted to write a book an adult would love and be able to a pass down to an age approved child, since I was ten years old when my mother passed on her books to me. All my mum read were historical romances and I wanted adventure books with fun, laughter and danger.

Sunday 1st February: Current news on my 2nd book in the series. Witch Be My Name .. The cover looks fantastic. Once again the incredible talents of Kate McCracken are adding that extra special WOW factor to my painting. It still needs a little tweaking. I will post it as soon as it’s completed. The manuscript is having a final read through check by my publisher this week end and then its all systems go … it’s seriously exciting 🙂 … but what are Jimmy and Lieve up to right now ….

Jimmy and Lieve are sat by the lake supposed to be revising, only one is actually working .. brief excerpt from a new book currently a work in progress … “I have so much swimming about in my head. Thoughts are swirling like frenzied goldfish, at different levels of impatience. Each waiting their own turn. Lieve, revision homework can wait. It’s all about my baby sister’s eyes and her possible connections with the moon. Right now, she’s my priority.”

Sunday 25th January, 2026 – No news as yet on the new cover for the second book. Witch Be My Name. Publishers are busy people and writers can be impatient .. my dad always said, patience isn’t my middle name lol .. but as Witch Be My Name is now in publishing process and out of my hands – I am working on the third book in the series.

what are Jimmy and lieve up to…..

Jimmy intends to face bomb wedding photos with his toothless gappy grin and Lieve discovers a new witchy gift, when her feet suddenly leave the ground …

18th January – This week, their author has been working on the third book in the series. Lieve has introduced her friends to the wonders of the Red Door in the small sitting room at Honey Lane Cottage – Jimmy is amazed to learn, his grandparents already knew about it. Jimmy’s grandparents, James and Olivia Rockwood, went through this same door in book one, Witch Queen Bee ...

Sunday 11th January 2026 – Wow what a week Jimmy has lost two front teeth. He’s playing crafty and testing out the generosity of English / Scottish tooth fairies by leaving one tooth under his pillow at home and taking the other up to Scotland … and for his author – Excitement this week, because there are changes with her publishers and things are really moving now. Along with management changes, the cover for her next book is in the working stages. The final cover will hopefully be posted here in the blog soon.

my publishers new website – https://crimsoncloakpublishing.com

Sunday 4th January 2026 – I’m used now to typing the new year. I have been working on new chapters for a third book. ( I date, each chapter so each draft can be compared and referred back to easily in my creating process.) The second book Witch Be My Name is with my publishers, Crimson Cloak and what can I say .. its a lengthy process but I cant do any more to for now. So I am working on book three.. still in its working title of WBML .. Lieve wakes up to a strange light in her bedroom … “The rapidly growing ghostly blanket of blue-white light compelled her eyes to follow as it slithered across the bottom of her bed.. The highlighted hump of her feet under the duvet escalated her vulnerability. Nervously, she bent her legs to pull her feet away from the ghostly light. ….

Note from the Author: See it’s not always the monsters under the bed you have to worry about lol

Sunday 28th December – Currently in the quiet period of post Christmas and pre New Year .. News to release is a bit thin on the ground. So, I am going to post a brief audio of James and Olivia visiting Honey Lane Cottage. Uninvited they can’t find the gate.. James is desperate for answers to his questions about the mysteries of the tiny cottage, where the ‘Bee’ family lives.

Sunday 21st December – Jimmy has been in charge of a Raven’s care this week and he is convinced the Raven’s rattle is the equivalent of a cat’s purr. The raven sings one line of a song to give them a clue, Farid said, it’s creepy but Jimmy’s hooked and me . ha .. I forgot how much I loved the song 🙂 Ravens have a reputation as being messengers of the dead, so of course the clue had to be appropriate, “she begged him to go with her to the land of the dancing dead.“.. and its far from creepy in the story line :).. just a teeny bit creepy enough to excite and intrigue.

18th December – a quick early message .. Jimmy and Farid have today been given a few random clues by a Raven called Hugin. Farid is convinced Hugin is a torment, teasing them but Jimmy thinks there is something in it … as their author I have been chuckling writing this morning 🙂

Sunday 14th December – Big news this week .. I don’t know which is the biggest – Jimmys portrait has finally been found and is now back hanging on the wall with Miss Su’Am and Lieve. .. and .. the seriously exciting news .. Witch Queen Bee has been registered on Ingram/Lightening Source, it will take a few more days to be visible but it will then be available to buy via bookstores and not limited to Amazon. As a first time author, this is apparently HUGE and I thank my publishers Crimson Cloak for their assistance.

Sunday 7th December – apologies due to illness the website was actually updated the 9th December – I am over the moon to say, my submission for the second book, Witch Be My Name has been accepted. The cover has been chosen from three sample paintings, I created in the summer. I cant spill any secrets just yet but I will be able show you before the New Year. For me, as their author it is so exciting. For Jimmy and Lieve its further growth and development of their witchy gifts. Along with other storylines there is a night camping trip that will have everyone in stitches.

Sunday 30th November – WOW what a way to end the month. Monday requested books were personally signed and posted out. The rest of the week was taken very gently due to increased pain levels such is life but I am seriously pleased to have managed to carry on writing thanks to a system of handwriting and dictation.

As a determined author what could get better than that? .. ha .. a request from a local tv station for an interview – its quite surreal to be honest but it was a genuinely lovely experience., thank you, reporter Gracie Jones.

Thank you to Leigh Library who very kindly reserved a table for the interview. The film clip will air before Christmas – an update will be given when known.

Lieve’s story is making an impact and Jimmy’s being related to those extra special boys we all remember from school. At some time every girl has her hero. Sadly we didn’t have the magic of witchy aunties and everyone needs an Auntie Winnie or an Auntie Kay. As their author I am so pleased, all I ever wanted to do was write a book an adult would thoroughly enjoy and pass on to an enthralled child. .. my cup runneth over.

Sunday 23rd November – Another Fabulous Week – Firstly I can confirm my second book Witch Be My Name has been been accepted by my publisher. So to get up at the crack of dawn yesterday and be ready for a Christmas Book Fayre in Wigan town centre was even more exciting. I can confess I have only been to Wigan twice before and yesterday I did not get lost 🙂 Thank you Wigan Library for another great venue and thank you to the lovely people who stopped to chat about Witch Queen Bee. I hope you enjoy the characters as much as I loved creating them.

Sunday 16th November – WOW a week of firsts – Friday 14th November – What an amazing morning, Witch Queen Bee was introduced to a fabulous year 6 class from Leigh Central Primary School. The children were absolutely delightful. They were clearly extremely interested and eager to ask questions. The questions and answers part of the session, raised the bar for the unexpected and boy, did the kids do their school proud.

Thursday evening 13th November, Witch Queen Bee and her author joined 35 other authors for a Book Festival in Leigh, where the atmosphere was warm and friendly. Author Christine Perry and her proofreader Vicki Shaw both thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, so much so they are doing it again in Central Wigan next week. Details will be posted to the first page later. Thank you to the lovely people who bought Witch Queen Bee, please do get in touch when you have read the book, Christine will absolutely love to hear from you and a review would be much valued.

Sunday 9th November – Phew delighted to say, everything comes to she who waits .. 4th edit completed yesterday, Witch Be My Name the 2nd in the series, will be emailed to my publisher this week. Coming up is a week of several firsts… A Book Fest where Witch Queen Bee will be there as part of thirty six other book stalls, a licensed bar and a lot of lovely people, at Leigh Library on Thursday evening.

The following day, is my very first library / school arranged visit. I am so looking forward to both events. My fabulous proof reader Vicki Shaw will be sharing each event with me… Please note: It is not a children’s event, it is adult books only. I have been invited to take part because Witch Queen Bee is aimed at adults to enjoy and safely pass down to children as a gripping read. You wont miss us in our Witches hats we are of course covered with bees 🙂 photos will be posted next Sunday. .. If you visit the book fest please do drop by and say, Hello 🙂 .. Leigh Library, Civic Square, Leigh, WN7 1EB – 6pm to 8pm

Sunday 26th October -. Creating videos and audios has been my challenge this weekend. I hope you enjoy this brief trial introduction I have made for up and coming school events… please click on the link below

Sunday 19th October – Message from Lieve. Oh its my turn, Wow what a week!

Away from the book, Jimmy’s mum Estella has gone to the maternity ward. No details can be given but it’s fair to say, everyone is a heady mixture of anxiety and excitement.

Our author Chris, is delighted to have accepted an invitation to meet local school children, on the 14th November. She is planning, a reading from her book. A brief talk about life challenges. Followed by, questions and answers. Plus a little competition. The best answer will be given a personally signed copy of Witch Queen Bee on the day. How to give the best answer? Here’s a tip … make it relevant and make it funny because Chris loves to laugh!

Sunday 12th October – after the heady heights of a letter from the Prince and Princess of Wales last week. What could possibly top that? Absolutely nothing!

Looking ahead, we are planning this week for the author’s first experience of a Book Fest. It will be held at Leigh Library, Civic Square, Leigh WN7 1EB on the 13th November.

Billed as a Book Lovers Paradise, with thirty stalls each featuring adult authors. Witch Queen Bee is a book that fits very well within adult reading. Chris Perry is delighted to have been asked to take part. In this last week, she has designed a table banner, bookmarks etc. The order has been placed. Thanks to Vista Print, it will be here next week. The Book Fest will also have a licensed bar and serve hot drinks. Authors of both fiction and non fiction will be offering dedicated signed copies. Chris has said, “Its a mixture of exciting and overwhelming” but she is so looking forward to it.

Sunday 5th October – Absolutely massive news this week 🙂 A letter arrived from Kensington Palace. The Duke and Duchess of Wales, have very kindly, sent their congratulations on my first book Witch Queen Bee. To be honest, I am still walking on air. I feel very humbled, it is an honour beyond any expectation.

In addition – There are plans ahead, for my book Witch Queen Bee to buzz around local schools. With a reading by myself followed by questions and answers and I expect a whole lot of fun. This is a brand new experience. To say I am buzzing with excitement is putting it mildly. Again, it’s an honour to be asked and it will be my pleasure.

Sunday 28th September – Jimmy and Lieve with friends Farid and Aisha have learned a little about a black hive. A topic their author is researching at the moment. For the kids, it’s intriguing, the mysticism and folklore have grabbed their imagination. Aisha held on to a belief that a bee seen after someone’s death could be their departed soul in flight. She shared this knowledge with her brother Farid. She felt it logical for bees to be connected to the cycles of nature and linked to the spirit world.

When she could raise her head from the books., Lieve confirmed the druids believed bees were messengers from the gods. Jimmy didn’t scoff but found a traditional poem called ‘Telling the bees. ‘ .. even sceptical Farid was impressed.

Sunday 21st September – Sales of spooky items are filling the shops for Halloween. Jimmy told Lieve he smiles every time he sees a witch’s hat and broom. “If only they knew how Auntie Winnie travels, they wouldn’t want any of this stuff would they? People would be kinder to animals and reap the benefits of animal style travel. Don’t you reckon Lieve?”

His cousin grinned, “Can you imagine then? We would wonder if any passing bird was really a bird or a person.” she giggled, “No I think there is only one Auntie Winnie. Although Aisha firmly believes Auntie Winnie’s owl Lechuza is my guardian angel. I kept the truth from her. It’s such a lovely way to interpret Auntie Winnie’s watching over us.”

Sunday 14th September – Jimmy and Lieve are settling into the new school year after the long summer break. Their author has met a lovely lady, who oversees school and library events in Wigan, Lancashire. Witch Queen Bee will be in Wigan libraries soon. Their author is looking ahead to book readings with delight and also Q & A’s in local schools.

Sunday 7th September – I am seriously pleased with how things are going. Three paintings for potential covers of the 2nd book, Witch Be My Name, will soon be submitted. They will go to my publisher, Crimson Cloak Publishing. These artworks offer multiple options. Is it a tense time when waiting the verdict on my second book? Most definitely, YES but it’s also an exciting time!…. I love to paint. I was over the moon when Crimson Cloak suggested one of my own paintings for the first book cover. The extra artwork added by Kate McCracken from Crimson Cloak, with the use of a green sparkly background. I thought Kate gave it the real WOW factor. Hopefully she will do the same again with any of these options for my second book.

Sunday 31st August 2025 – Hi, Lieve here. We have been busy as models for our author. Chris who is creating the possible art work for the cover of the second book… Well she is trying and it’s a work in progress. It’s been great fun for three of us. Yes, only three: my cousin Jimmy, my best friend Aisha, and myself.

Aisha’s brother Farid was sorry he missed it. Especially when we said there had been a raven involved and a blue time door. As yet the artwork is in the early stages. The plan is to share it when it’s taking shape.

Sunday 24th August 2025 – It’s a bank holiday week end here in the UK. Jimmy and Lieve can feel a slight change in the darker early mornings. Both are still enjoying walking Piper and Bella across the fields. They haven’t had the puppies out over any winter mornings yet. They talk about walking the dogs in snow and how exciting it will be … they have no concept of rain, wind, sleet and the routine of dogs .. oh sweet oblivion 🙂

Wednesday 20th August 2025

The Author had a few lovely people knock at her front door. They asked to have their book signed. Someone even spotted her shopping in her local Tesco in Atherton, Wigan UK . Chris said, that was rather exciting but also surreal. 🙂

Jimmy and Lieve have been getting on with the prospect of moving from Primary to Secondary school…

Sat by the riverbank with puppies, Piper and Bella, also having a paddle. Jimmy asked, “Can you remember your very first day at school? Your Mum took you, and she was more worried than you?”

Lieve whirled around, “Yes, I do, but how did you know?”

Jimmy threw himself back as he laughed, “Cos everyone’s Mum felt the same.” 

“Okay, I get that, Jimmy, so where is this leading?”

 “I was just thinking. Mothers should be allowed to take us to High School. At least for the first day. I think it should be compulsory.”