On finally reaching The End, results of my book giveaway and a plea for help!

Hello!

I have so much to tell you that I don't know where to start. At the beginning, I guess!

So my first big bit of news is that I have finished the second draft of the latest Riverdale book and the feedback I'm already getting from my trusty team of beta readers is terrific!

Here are just a few of their comments:

'An exciting and enthralling read.'

'I love it!'

'Your readers won't be disappointed.'

'The story flowed beautifully.'

'So good to catch up with Poppy, Cloud and the others.'

So what's next? Well, the book needs at least two rounds of proofreading before I can start formatting it.

I need to finalise the blurb, and the book also needs a cover.

But first it needs a title, because 'Book 11' just ain't gonna cut it. And that's where I'm hoping you can help me.

I have drawn up a shortlist of six names for the book but can't decide which one I like best.

Will you help me choose one?

You probably need to know what the book is about first, so here's the blurb:

Poppy and Scarlett are about to head off on their Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition.

The best friends have decided to saddle up their ponies for the two-day camping trip. Because why on earth would you walk when you can ride?

But someone has been starting wildfires on Poppy’s beloved Dartmoor, reducing large areas of moorland to ash and endangering the lives of the native ponies.

With an arsonist at large, the expedition is in jeopardy before they even set off.

And when Poppy wakes in the middle of the night to the red glow of flames, it’s a race against time to save her friends and their ponies.

Which title do you like best?

Wildfires on the Moor

Cloud and the Wildfire riders

Wildfire Riders

Riverdale Rescue

Cloud and the Riverdale Rescue

Fire Horse

Once I have a title I can press on with publication. I am hoping the book will be released in the second week in April but, as always, I'll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, the new-look, new editions of The Lost Pony of Riverdale and Against All Hope are released on Friday 1 April, which is very exciting indeed. Do let me know if you spot any copies in your local bookshop. I would love to see photos of the books 'out in the wild'!

And finally, to the World Book Day competition results...

I was overwhelmed by your response. A huge thank you to everyone who entered!

I'm delighted to report that first name out of the hat was Helen Bullock, who won signed paperback copies of the new-look The Lost Pony of Riverdale and Against All Hope for her eleven-year-old son Alex.

In second place was Gemma Parry, who won ebook copies of both books.

Sorry if you weren't lucky this time, but stick around as there will be plenty more chances to win in the coming weeks and months.

That's all from me for now. Mr Wills and I are about to head off to Snowdonia for a week's rest and recuperation. Once I'm back it'll be all systems go to get the eleventh Riverdale adventure published!

Happy reading!

Amanda