October 5th, 2022: We are delighted that local author, Tracey Gemmell, will be giving a talk in the library on Wednesday 5th October at 2.30pm. She has two published books – both available to borrow from the library – and another in the pipeline. Her love of Exmoor is evident in her stories and her talk centres on her journey through life and fiction which has led her to make Porlock her home. The talk is free but spaces are limited, booking is advisable. Tel: 01643 862763 or email porlib@somerset.gov.uk or message.
September 29th: Had a lovely chat with Andy Bennet on BBC Radio Somerset’s Breakfast Show this morning about the amazing gingerbread replica of our house our Ukrainian family made. You can read about it here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-63063125 or listen to it on the BBC Sounds app for the next 28 days. Thanks, Andy!
April 10th, 2022: Will be talking to Catherine Cook on BBC Radio Devon about writing, life, travel, and transatlantic relocation during a pandemic. Many thanks for the invite, Catherine!
March 28th: Join me for a a virtual chat with the East Yorkshire Roses WI Reading Room at 7:30pm
April 28th, 2021: Join me and Chris Gregory on South Devon Radio at 2:30 pm to chat about travel and pandemics and the search for home. Thanks for the opportunity, Chris!
April 13th, 2021: Join me and the Yeovil Community Arts Association Book Club as we discuss ‘Dunster’s Calling’. Virtual event. https://www.facebook.com/events/954365622036214/
April, 2021: I’m delighted to be judging the Yeovil Community Arts Association Children’s Short Story Competition 2021. Get writing, young authors!
January 23rd, 2021: Join me and Mel Everett on BBC Somerset Radio at 1:15pm for a chat about my novel, ‘Dunster’s Calling’, and the joys of relocating four thousand miles during a pandemic. We may have to broach the subject of how my husband feels about staying in a hotel for 139 days so I could follow my dream of coming home to Exmoor. Yikes!
Thank you, Spectrum Progressive School in Rockford, Illinois, for inviting me to hang out with your creative writers. I had fun discussing plot structure with you. The chrysanthemum was a lovely surprise! Happy writing!
April 17th, 2019: Thank you, Legler Valley Road Book Club, for rescheduling me to speak about Dunster’s Calling and my writing process at your next meeting. See you at 7.00pm! Tofflers, 200 5th Avenue, New Glarus, Wisconsin.
January 2019: Many thanks to the Legler Valley Road Book Club for inviting me to speak about Dunster’s Calling and my writing process at their next meeting . See you on 1-30-19, 7.30pm at Tofflers, 200 5th Avenue, New Glarus, Wisconsin. POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER
December 2018: Many thanks to Keri Jones of Exmoor Radio for including me in the podcast. Here’s the link to listen in as we discuss Dunster’s Calling, Exmoor and the pull of home: http://exmoorradio.com/art/author-tracey-gemmell-talks-about-her-love-of-exmoor/
November 2018:
Had a great time with Simon Parkin of BBC Somerset on November 10th. Thanks for making me and Dunster’s Calling so welcome, Simon!
November 8th, 2018:
Thank you West Somerset Radio and Bryan Leaker for having me on to chat about Dunster’s Calling. Lovely to meet everyone at the studio!
October 2018:
INDIE WITH EASE book release: Looking for a resource to calm and soothe as you head into indie author waters? Check out ‘Indie With Ease’, the new release from Pauline Wiles. Full of practical, encouraging, stress-busting tips for surviving and thriving during the writing, publishing and marketing of your books, this is a must read. It even includes some writer’s life lessons from me! The Kindle version is available now on Amazon, with the paperback due for release in October.
September 2018:
Many thanks to Pauline Wiles, fellow expat and author, for this lovely interview concerning the joys and not so joys of a writer’s life. Click the link below for the full article on Pauline’s blog. https://www.paulinewiles.com/author-interview-tracey-gemmell/
Save the date!
July, 2018: Wisconsin Writers Association announces winners in the Jade Ring Contest:
I’m excited to report my short story, “Scooby-Doo and Hobnobs,” won an honorable mention in the humor category of the Jade Ring Contest. It’s been published in the WWA Anthology, released September, 2018. Sign up for my newsletter where I’ll share the story soon!
September, 2017. Save the Date! Some laughs, some tears, some book signings and some refreshments! Looking forward to meeting you there.
Thank you Self Media Group for declaring Dunster’s Calling a runner up in the 2016 Best Indie Book Competition!
Reviews for Dunster’s Calling
‘As someone not living where I was born, I very much related to the emotional dilemmas in the book. I am neither a horse person, nor a lover of cream teas, but I still really enjoyed this book, especially that quintessentially English wit, which had me smiling, chuckling and laughing out loud at times. It is fast paced, involving and understated. The shifting between now and her childhood worked well. Recommended, and looking forward to the next offering from this author.’
5-star review Amazon.co.uk
This book has left me with a longing for both cream teas and a pony. It made me nostalgic for a childhood that wasn’t mine!
5-star review Amazon.co.uk
Thank you for a lovely story which made me laugh and cry! I could identify with so much of the narrative, not from the perspective of an émigré but as someone who grew up as a pony mad child in the fifties. Thank you for donating to the welfare of our beautiful “Dunster’s” too!
Review on author website
Loved this book. The author insightfully articulates the path that takes us from childhood dreams to adult reality. A keen sense of humor keeps this intimate journey feeling like an adventure we want to join. Even though I’ve lived my life on only one continent, the book resonated deeply. Seriously. Loved. This. Book.
5-star review Amazon.com
I would read this book again just for pure enjoyment! Moreover, this book has piqued my interest, big time, for a visit to Exmoor one day… it’s been added to my bucket list!
5-star review Amazon.com
Just a delightfully written witty and entertaining book. Hard to put down. Love the way it is written. A rare find.
5-star review Amazon.com
(Dunster’s Calling) endorses my view that yes people are important but places can be too!!
5-star review Amazon.co.uk
Hireth! Now I know the word for my own personal longing! Totally enjoyed this book, Dunster’s Calling. Characters are believable. Setting is magical. Highly recommended for girls with dreams!
5-star review Amazon.com
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Check out the link below (page 98) to the Autumn 2016 edition of the Exmoor Magazine for a write up on Dunster’s Calling. You’ll also see news about the Exmoor Pony Centre’s Tenth Birthday!
Tracey Gemmell Author 