My Alter Ego Is A Children’s Writer
She stopped my criminal career in its tracks — but only temporarily
When I took a break from crime (writing about it, I mean) to create a children’s book, I had no idea who I was about to meet. I was still wrestling with the swap from 21st century policing to the angst- and dilemma-ridden life of the pre-teenager in the modern world, when my publisher told me:
“You’re a crime writer. You can’t leave your lane.”
Secretly pleased to find I had a lane — after a lifetime of being all over the road — I asked what the consequences were for the book, and was introduced to my alter ego.
“Meet Melodie Trudeaux, author of Horse of a Different Colour.”
I shook hands with myself — not the easiest manoeuvre but I’ve weathered worse.
“How do you do, Melodie. I’m Penny. I have a lane.”
And so Melodie Trudeaux entered my life. She’s a fantasy and sci-fi fan who would love to visit the International Space Station. She has a website, and blogs regularly about space travel and horses.
Horse of a Different Colour was published in 2016, which immediately spawned the problem of the sequel. It needed one. Melodie and I had plans but here’s the problem — it’s busy in my lane. And when…
