Website has been updated, and the “I Do!” anthology has now it’s own site as well
I’ve updated my website, added a few bits here and a few there and hope it’s now easier to navigate. I’ve put up links to various “freebies” – free reading material and excerpts from my upcoming books. All this and more can be found here:
The “I Do!” anthology has now its own website as well, courtesy Chris Smith. Information on the purpose, the authors – and there are excerpts as well.
The e-book version of “I Do!” is available already, the print edition should follow on 21 January. I’ll keep you posted.
“I Do!” anthology is available for sale now, and it includes one of my stories.
Two people of legal age who are in love with each other have the right to get married if they wish to do so, period. As far as I’m concerned, any person and organisation who fights love in this world full of hate is a danger to the public.
That’s why I support this fantastic project, which gave those of us who can’t protest “on location” against hare-brained propositions like California’s No. 8 the chance to support those who take a stand. And you can be supportive, too, and get a book full of great stories in return. That’s what I call an excellent deal!
The following authors have donated stories to the “I DO!” anthology in support of Lambda Legal Fund, which will receive all profits from the anthology. Printing and distribution costs have been kindly donated by MLR Press.
Tracey Pennington, Alex Beecroft, Charlie Cochrane, Clare London, Storm Grant, Lisabet Sarai, Sharon Maria Bidwell, Jeanne Barrack, Marquesate, Z.A Maxfield, P.A Brown, Allison Wonderland, Erastes, Zoe Nichols and Cassidy Ryan, Emma Collingwood (hey! That’s me!), Mallory Path, Jerry L. Wheeler, Moondancer Drake, Fiona Glass, Lee Rowan.
The story I’ve contributed is called “Semi-detached”, and set in modern London, it features characters from my upcoming book “The Purser, the Surgeon, the Captain and his Lieutenant”. Is gay marriage a matter of equality, commitment or home improvement? Thomas comes to the conclusion that it’s all about knocking down walls.
“Semi-detached” features James, Thomas and Sebastian, the characters from “The Purser, the Surgeon, the Captain and his Lieutenant”. The story is set in modern London, and here’s a short excerpt:
“The working class has arrived,” Sebastian announced, “looking cranky as usual, but he bought beer. Good man.”
Upon noticing Thomas’ black eye and split lip, Sebastian arched an eyebrow.
“The proletariat’s been struggling. What happened, mate?”
“I Do!” offers something for everybody, from sweet to hot and funny to touching. Order the e-book now, or wait for the print edition which should be out by the end of January (the perfect Valentine’s Day gift!) – or hey, why not just buy BOTH?
For more information, including of one-line blurbs for the stories, please visit the “I Do!” page on my website, or check out this entry in Alex Beecroft ’s LJ. She got this whole thing moving.
Please feel free to link, forward, spread and herald to whoever and wherever you feel it makes sense. All profits go to Lambda, we’re not keeping anything for ourselves.
A big thank you, a presentation and some book news
Dear all
Both me and Mlle de Villeneuve would like to thank you for contributing to the success of our auction. The winners have received manuscript and drawing by now and are very happy with our work. Which, of course, makes us happy!
The secretary of the Lions Club in Morpeth has kindly provided us with a presentation showing the extend of the damage. It’s a *.pps and has been virus-checked, so feel free to click (hosted on my personal website).
As you can tell, the money really went where it’s needed. If you’d like to make a donation to the floods fund as well, you should now head to the
WEBSITE OF THE MORPETH LIONS CLUB
for further information. You’ll be helping people who help themselves and each other. That’s a rare thing to find these days. Hat tip from our part to the people of Morpeth, and kudos to you, dear friends, for your generosity.
I’ve put quill and ink aside and returned to my trusted friend with the keyboard. “The Radiant Boy” will be out soon, and there are an estimated 4093468049684906830 edits for “The Purser, The Surgeon, The Captain And His Lieutenant” waiting for me.
Oh, and before I forget: Readers of “Lieutenant Samuel Blackwood (deceased)” might be glad to hear that Mr. Leigh and Mr. Meadows will return next year for one more adventure.
Emma xx
PS: The online shop on my website is currently undergoing some changes. Should you encounter any problems, please drop me a line.
Reminder: Charity Auction Ends Today!
The charity auction on ebay for the Morpeth Lions Club Flood Fund will end today. There’s still time to place your bids! Many thanks to all those who have supported the auction.
Auction starts! Handwritten story by Emma Collingwood, illustration by Amandine de Villeneuve!
Today’s the 260th birthday of Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood. What better date to start a charity auction that will hopefully raise a bit of money for the Morpeth Lions Club Flood Fund? Morpeth was, after all, the place where he spent some of his happiest days. And we’re geeks. 
You have now the chance to bid on two unique items.
OUR WEBSITE WITH INFORMATION ON THE CHARITY
AUCTION I: ORIGINAL GEORGIAN ROYAL NAVY GHOST STORY BY EMMA COLLINGWOOD
Be the first person to read “Last Service”, one of four Georgian Royal Navy Ghost Stories from the upcoming book by Emma Collingwood! Not a printout, mind you – the tale comes handwritten (in ink, of course!) on 18th century-style, handmade, heavy cream-coloured paper (courtesy Museum for Paper, Writing and Printing). The paper alone has a value of ~ £ 30.00.
“Last Service”, set aboard HMS Victory, honours the tradition of the classic 18th and 19th century ghost stories as well as the memory of the men who served on her.
AUCTION II: ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATION BY AMANDINE DE VILLENEUVE
The drawing shows Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood and his dog “Bounce”. The technique is “ink and wash”; umbra-coloured, waterproof ink on heavy, cream-coloured handmade paper (60% cotton, 40% flax, ages well). This is the original illustration to go with “Last Service”.
Many people in Morpeth have to rebuild their lives from scratch. Every bit helps, so please, do spread the word, post a link to either the website or this entry here in communities where it fits, herald the news, shout it from the roof and/or the fighting top. Thank you so much in advance for your support!
With the festive season just around the corner, this is a wonderful chance to get a very special present for that Age of Sail aficionado in your life.
Writing. Means: BY HAND. Ouch.
My respect for medieval monks and those of you who write their books by hand first before typing the final version on the computer has reached an unmeasurable level. I just finished “Last Service”, the story I’ll put up for auction for the Morpeth Flood Fund, and though it’s a short story, I feel as if I’d written a 100′000 words novel. Now I’m scouting the kitchen for chocolate; I deserve it.
I’m very happy with the outcome, though – writing with quill and ink on handmade paper adds a new perspective to the writing experience. As goofy as it might sound, it’s almost sensual.
THAT’S WHAT THE HANDWRITTEN STORY LOOKS LIKE
That’s the official auction information site, btw., so feel free to forward it and pass it on. Some fabulous news: Mlle Amandine de Villeneuve will donate her original illustration for the story, so there will be two auctions!
I’m very nervous – I wonder how that auction will go. The charity auction for the Christmas presents will be on in October. So much to do, so little time…
“The Radiant Boy” – Charity Drive!
Leaves are falling, and it’s time to announce the annual charity drive. This year the beneficiaries will be children from poor families in central Scotland, for whom I’ll try to provide Christmas presents, and the Morpeth Lions Club Flood Victims Appeal in Morpeth, Northumberland.
In favour of the charity drive, I’ve postponed the publication of “The Radiant Boy” for a few weeks. Why? Because two of the four stories, “The Radiant Boy” and “Last Service”, will be up for auction! But not just some cheap print-out – you will get the chance to win the
ORIGINAL STORY, HANDWRITTEN BY MYSELF WITH QUILL AND INK ON HANDMADE PAPER IN THE STYLE OF THE 18TH CENTURY IN MUSEUM QUALITY!
I’ve been to the Museum for Paper, Writing and Printing yesterday and picked up the paper. Feel and texture are amazing, writing on it is a fascinating experience. Special thanks to the master papermaker, a very friendly and helpful chap.
While I don’t want to give too much away, I can tell you that “Last Service” will be a story of special appeal to those among you who have a weak spot for HMS Victory, Nelson, Collingwood and the Age of Sail in general.
Despite being ghost stories, “The Radiant Boy” and “Last Service” are suitable for all audiences.
The auction will start on 26th September, the original publication date of the book. There might be even more goodies – more information will follow soon. I’d like to thank you all in advance for spreading the word.
