Missing the UK? Follow Alexander McCall Smith's new online serial novel

Ooohhh, how fun! What better way to fill in my time, now that all the girls are all at school, than to be involved with an online serial novel. How cool! And I thought all my mummy friends living abroad may like to be involved as well...

Corduroy Mansions 2 -- The Dog Who Came In From The Cold, by Alexander McCall Smith (best known for the Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency) starts Monday. Sign up, and every weekday over the next 13 weeks a new chapter will be sent to your laptop or iPhone. Did I mention this was free? (thank you The Telegraph).

McCall Smith, who got the idea for digital serial genre at a party while talking to Armistead Maupin (Tales of the City), only writes the first 40 or so chapters and likes to get feedback from his readers before he goes on with the plot. So you really do become part of the story. How Web 2.0!

I wasn't involved with the first Corduroy Mansions, but am told that doesn't matter. The story is based on William French, a wine merchant in his early fifties who is bored and looking for love. Other characters you meet are his looser 28-year-old son, Eddie; his Pimlico Terrier, Freddie de la Hay; Marcia, a caterer who has the hots for William, and Angelica, a bespectacled beauty that has reappeared in William's life. There's also Caroline, who lives directly below William in Corduroy Mansions, and her friend James. Oh, and the Mi6.

I was sent the first five chapters ... and am hooked. The chapter are short, very readable and can be printed on a couple pages, or read directly on an iPhone. I feel like I am embarking on joint journey with the entire nation. And that is definitely more fun than doing the laundry!

This post was written by Susanna, an Expat Mums Blog founding contributor. You can read more at her blog, A Modern Mother.

In case you are wondering, this is not a sponsored post.

Comments

[fitflop]

I recently came across your post and read it. After reading it I felt I should admire your hard work so just wann say very well written. Good on you.