Joan Moules is one of Britain's favourite modern authors and certainly one of the most prolific. Living by the sea in Selsey, on the Sussex coast, she is a founder member of the Warminster Writers' Circle (and now its President), a member of both the Society of Authors and The Crime Writers' Association and is possibly one of the longest serving members of the International Society of Women Writers & Journalists, based in London.
Early Days of Writing Fiction
From the time Moules' first book was published in 1979, her novels have rarely been out of publication. Her first book, Strand of Gold was published by Robert Hale. This love story set against a music hall background, is still a winner, having been reprinted. Since then, she has written numerous novels across many genres. Every one of her books – more than 20 titles including romance, sagas, non-fiction and journalism – has been successful and she has a large fan base around the world. She also writes short stories and is a sought after competition judge.
Talking About the Music Hall
Moules is an entertaining speaker with a wide range of topics linked to writing. She also delivers talks on the Music Hall, Fifties Favourites and the life of Marie Lloyd. Many aspiring writers have learned much about the business of creating short stories and publishing via her twice-yearly writing courses at the Earnley Concourse in Sussex.
Dame Gracie Fields OBE
One of Moules' most notable books is the biography of Dame Gracie Fields (1898-1979). Dame Gracie, the famous English-born singer, comedienne and star of many films, was a firm favourite of the British public before and during the Second World War. Moules' biography, a Summersdale publication, was hugely successful. Moules is now regarded as an authority on Dame Gracie and is often called upon to contribute to television and radio profiles on the star.
Who Dun it?
Last year, Moules ventured into crime, a completely new writing genre for her. The title of her book Script for Murder, a super who-dun-it set in the '50s. (ISBN 9978-0-7090-8808-080 £18.99 published by Robert Hale.) Another runaway success!
Current Novels
This year, Moules' latest book Fragile Memories has been published and is doing well with signings at major bookshops. Her twentieth novel Turn of the Tide, will be published in July 2011 by Robert Hale.
Fragile Memories (2010) ISBN: 978-0-7090-9058-8 Details of all Moules' books can be found on her website and all her books are sold through Amazon and in British bookshops, particularly Waterstone's.
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