Lindsey’s News
News
2025 has arrived almost before I got used to 2024. The Christmas and New Year periods were not as expected here, because one of my oldest friends was seriously ill. Much thinking about Life and The Past ensued. Thankfully she rallied so speculation can draw to a close!
My Listen with Lindsey monthly readings continue; listeners are reminded to re-register for the new year. I caved in and set up a Facebook author page; this website will be a compendium of fixed information while social media can be more inter-active and ephemeral. If you want facts, come here. If you want spelling mistakes and growling, go there. If you prefer solace and gentle companionship, come to Listen with Lindsey – or just read a book!
READERS’ CHOICE To be memorialised on the website, send your favourite lines from any of my books that don’t have a reader’s favourite quotation already.
Work in Progress
The 13th Flavia Albia is called There Will Be Bodies, and is now being printed ready for April. It’s set in Stabiae on the Bay of Naples, during the reconstruction after the Vesuvius disaster. Thinking ahead to the marketing process, how neat it would be if the long-anticipated next eruption happened now! This is no fun for those who live there, as I have tried to show in my story, but so useful for covering up a murder…
Contract News
I have new UK contracts for two more novels. Albia 14 and 15 will creep further towards my Business Plan target of 20 in the series, to be achieved by the grand age of 83.
I am also writing a short story for an anthology to celebrate the final Crimefest convention in Bristol, when that grand old event sadly winds down. I haven’t been for some years, but will be attending for the final time in May.
Second Hand / Used Books
Until now, authors have only been able to receive royalty payments on sales of new books. The market for used books is growing so much that by 2025 it is estimated to be worth £563 million in the UK alone. Writers could only watch in dismay. AuthorSHARE – a partnership between World of Books and Bookbarn International – aims to rebalance this in favour of the author. It’s the same idea that has been tried for works of art when they are resold. It works; after the first six months I have received the price of a bottle of champagne to celebrate! It is hoped that other book sellers will join in, but until they do, those of you who buy books second hand, whether mine or other authors’, may like to favour these two companies!
Falco’s Altar
Although I famously don’t twitter, by a circuitous route I discovered that while in Britain MD Falco, the legionary scout, dedicated an altar: I[ovi] O[ptimo] M[aximo] M[arcus] DID[ius] FALCO SPEC[ulator] LEG[ionis] II AVG[ustae] V[otum] S[olvit] L[ibens] M[erito] To the god Jupiter, best and greatest, Marcus Didius Falco, Scout serving in the Second Augustan Legion, willingly and deservedly fulfilled his vow. Negotiating with the gods seems a bit out of character, but nice stonework! Reproduced with kind permission from Mike Leaning. [add altar photo]
Contract News
I am very pleased to say that Bokförlaget Polaris are to republish as ebooks the three Falco novels that were previously available in Sweden. Coming on top of Dotbooks republishing my German titles, this is encouraging – though for all overseas languages it remains difficult to obtain translations of new titles.
Meanwhile there is a special kiosk edition of Pandora’s Boy in Spain.
A Giveaway (this still applies, NB)
Sometimes in the past we have had simple book auctions, but I want to try something different: My cupboard is overflowing with spare book copies and here’s an offer: Due to the huge increase in postal charges I’m increasing the amount required so I don’t feel there is an imbalance between your contribution and mine. Anyone who makes a donation to Fishbourne Roman Palace may then claim a signed book as a thank you from me. The new limits are a donation of £30 for UK and Europe and £40 for the rest of the world.
Donate at http://sussexpast.co.uk/please-donate-now. Please use Giftaid if you can. But NB the books come from me so you must then send an email with your address to me.
I will contribute P&P, any destination, one per person, and titles only while available.
Who Are You Now?
Ten years ago I asked for your help in a survey, so I would know what the range of my readers was. This was interesting for me, but also on occasions very useful. Thanks to everyone who took part (or took part again!) the results are here.
Readers choices To be memorialised on the website, send your favourite lines from The Third Nero, A Capitol Death, Vesuvius By Night, Invitation to Die, The Grove of the Caesars or A Comedy of Terrors.
Classical Association
In 1997/8 I was Honorary President of the UK Classical Association. I recommend joining if you are interested in the jolly side of classics. See their website,www.classicalassociation.org.
Organ Donor Card Appeal
This is a personal appeal on an issue where I have experience from both sides.
Please carry a donor card. And if ever you are in the sad position of having to decide whether to agree to organ donation from someone close to you, please consider the good you may do. Honour their wishes if they carry a card. If not, then it is your choice; please use the opportunity. I understand just how hard it is at the time – but I can also tell you, because I have had to do it, that afterwards you will feel glad you took the decision to say yes.
Lives can be saved or dramatically improved by organ transplants. From childhood, I had a rare eye condition called keratoconus. Eventually I needed a corneal transplant – not often mentioned when organ donation is discussed, though in fact one donor can save the sight of two people. Being able to see, without discomfort, helps me to write. A stranger’s generosity freed me from years of pain and anxiety. I was never able to thank my donor or their relatives, but I shall always remember them. Every time you read one of my books, you too are a beneficiary of their gift to me.
Minimus
Minumus, the Primary Latin Project was 25 in 2024 so ‘Io! Three cheers for this brilliant achievement!’
Minimis has his own website where he says: ‘Minimus’ favourite books are the Roman detective novels of Lindsey Davis’ – and, thanks to illustrator Helen Forte, here he is reading one!