I’m the author of three novels, The Infinity Pool, published in July 2015, The Magic Carpet, published July 2019, and Title tbc which my agent is currently submitting for publication. I’m also an ex-teacher, a text book author and a translator, and mother of two very human adults. This blog is for jottings and ideas related to fiction I’m working on. It considers the work of others too, along with wider reading, writing and language related themes.
My first novel was inspired by quirks and details I noticed on holiday, but I’m a Londoner and the city pushes in everywhere, so my second novel is more urban. It’s turned London into the first city transport network with a magic carpet service. Here’s the cover:
July 2020 update: I took a blogging break to concentrate on writing Novel 3, also known as Title tbc. I’m back now, very happy to announce fantastic reviews for The Magic Carpet and am blogging roughly once a fortnight. Meanwhile, as we emerge (we hope) from lockdown, there are posts to revisit about teaching reading and writing to all ages and abilities. That’s how I earned a living for thirty plus years, and I do think that what happens in childhood is what shapes – or impedes – the writing people do when they’re adults. Then there are posts about leaving teaching – so long, folks, it was (mostly) great but I’m now a writer. Der Infinity-Pool came out in German in 2018 and has just been published in French as Infinitude. I’m beginning to get those twitchy typing hands that may mean Novel 4 is underway.
On this blog, you’ll find some reviews, of books and bookshops, a murder mystery, and a handful of the promised short stories, including one to celebrate my second blogiversary. Some travel writing has found its way on board, and I’ve posts on feminist writing and my heartfelt wish to remain in Europe. Christmas featured, along with World Book Day and one Easter I set you a quiz. But the general theme remains writing, writing, writing, planning my writing, writing courses, my characters and the double edged swords of genre and editing. Most recently I’ve mused on cutting words down to size, main characters and using italics. All you the audience need do is click the links, read, comment, follow and enjoy! Or criticise, if you wish. Thank you so much for your attention.
Contact me:
Find me on facebook here
Twitter: @jessica_norrie
You can email me on jessica@jessicanorrie.com
You can buy The Infinity Pool here, Der Infinity-Pool here and Infinitude here.
You can buy The Magic Carpet here
You can buy my Primary French textbook, Célébrons les Fêtes here.
I hope you’ll soon be able to buy Title tbc!
Or simply comment on one of my blog posts! I have two Blogger Recognition Awards so you should find something to interest you.
And if you’re interested in becoming a fellow member of ALLi – the Alliance of Independent Authors, just click here.
©Jessica Norrie 2020
The small print:


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Thanks for taking time away from your writing to visit my blog, Jessica!
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You’re welcome but I couldn’t see a space to comment.
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It’s lovely to see a post from you Jessica and to hear about your writing progress. I’d like to know what genre of book your new one is.
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Thank you. I’d like to know the genre too, that’s part of my problem! It seems to be turning into a thriller which is not “me” at all!
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Sometimes a change is good for the soul and brings unexpected results.
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Hi 💕
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Hi and thank you for reading and liking so many of my posts!
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It sounds luike you have accomplished quite a bit in your writing career. And you even have a book translated into German. That’s tremendous! I look forward to your updates!
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Thank you! It’s a career that started late but the first book took too many years to count, the second three, and the third is in the agent’s hands after two, so I’m speeding up and hopefully the quality is improving too. Thank you for your comments and enjoy your writing.
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Sure thing! Yeah, with experience comes improvement. I’ve read lots of books on craft but I think it’s best to apply those techniques to what you’re currently working on and try to make it second nature. When it’s like that, you do it without thinking about it. So happy for your success! Thanks for sharing!
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Hi Jessica! Lovely to meet you at the BB, just sorry we didn’t more of a chance to chat…next year, for sure! 🙂
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Thank you! And likewise…
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Hi Jessica: Lovely to see you at the Blogger’s Bash. And thanks for the follow!
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Lovely to meet you too Noelle. I do hope you enjoy the rest of your stay, and see you online!
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marvellous – we meet and we follow what a result. Off to download your book too!
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Thank you very much indeed! You amused me very much in your mc role yesterday…Hope you enjoy the book.
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Hi Jessica, I’ve just seen you will be at the Bloggers Bash on Saturday – looking forward to meeting you.
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And you too!
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Hi Jessica. We sound a lot alike. I’m also a teacher, textbook author, and fiction writer. Fun combination, innit?
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Even more fun when you’ve just retired from the teaching part – although somehow I don’t think it will ever stop informing everything I do (deep sigh offstage from family). Thanks for your comment.
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Hi Jessica,
Just wanted to let you know that I’ve tagged your blog in my latest book tag. It can be found here https://thebookwormsfantasy.wordpress.com/2016/10/19/fall-activities-book-tag/
Please leave me a comment and let me know if you take part in the tag! I’d love to see your answers.
Melissa (thebookwormsfantasy)
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How exciting! Thank you – l’ll head over and have a look.
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Thanks so much for following Kyrosmagica. Lovely to connect. 🙂
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Lovely to have had your support right from the off (I just realised I hadn’t replied to this)!
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I love the look of it!! Welcome to WordPress. You’ve made a great choice of theme!
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Just realised I never answered this – still getting the hang of it all. But thank you so much for your support and interest.
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Welcome to the world of blogging Jessica … great to see you here☺
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