Summer 2022

It’s been ages since I’ve posted any news – my apologies for this. We’re living through such disorientating times that many things get waylaid en route. Besides, I’m not sure how many people actually read these updates.

 

But if you’re reading this you’re one of them, so it’s nice to be with you again. When I’m not glued, with horrified fascination, to the current news I’ve been writing another novel. It’s very different to the previous two books, “The Carer” and “The Black Dress” because I had an urge to write about climate change. It’s tough, trying to tackle something so vast and alarming and depressing, so I’ve found a way of – as it were – sliding into it sideways. It’s quite tricky, however, and I’ve had a few stops and starts. God knows if it’ll work.

 

I’m also writing a film script for Sky, based on the true story of the Ecclestons. A few years ago an elderly couple made a suicide pact, but the wife, Mavis Eccleston, survived and was charged with murder. You might have read about it. I’m a patron of Dignity in Dying and have strong views about taking control of the end of our lives, and this story will hopefully open up the debate further – current legislation is way behind public opinion. The Ecclestons’ story is not all darkness – there’s loads of laughter and love in it, and I do hope it will appear on our screens in the next year or so.

 

Almost the most exciting thing of all is my play. I’ve adapted “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” for the stage and it’s opening in Richmond at the beginning of September, then touring all over the country and hopefully coming into the West End at Christmas. Go online to check the theatres, but it’s a massive nine-month tour so hopefully it’ll alight at a theatre near you. Already in the cast we have Hayley Mills, Paul Nicholas and Rula Lenska and I’m beyond thrilled with it. I’ll probably pop up in the audience in venues all over the country, laughing loudly at my own jokes.

 

And, lastly, my two early novels “You Must Be Sisters” and “Close To Home” are being reissued, which is lovely. At the end of June, too, my short stories are being published in a volume called “Fool For Love”. Some of the stories are from earlier collections and some are being published for the first time, but it’s nice to see them collected together with a gorgeous new jacket.

 

All good wishes and happy reading, whether it’s one of mine or somebody else’s. Have a great summer and do contact me if you fancy at moggachdeborah@gmail.com

 

DEBORAH MOGGACH