Goodness, JB - I've never been on anyone's wish list before. And in such exalted company too - and next year you can join us - hurrah!!

Your sad tales of financial misdealings somehow sound like the start of a novel - I hope you'll write it! I was once "missing presumed fled the country" myself - on honeymoon many years ago now, my bank didn't understand that I hadn't (and still haven't) changed my name, even though I'd told them about this 3 times, and cancelled all my cards on the grounds that they no longer knew who I was. K (husband) sighed deeply and wondered if paying for everything would from now on be his role in life. Hmm, so it wasn't all bad news then - start the new regime early is what I say!

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Many thanks, B!

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Yes, I had a storecard application turned down (M&S, in the days when you couldn't use other credit cards there) because I didn't have the same surname as my husband. And my children don't share my surname, so I have to make sure babysitters know, for when they have to call the doctor. And the school gets all embarrassed when they call me by the children's name - which actually I don't mind in the least. And so on...

At least when I got divorced I didn't have to un-scramble everything all over again in order to go back to my real name.

Emma

Congratulations!
Agree with others- title is superb, can't fail to catch the eye. Hope you sell thousands...

Many thanks, Derek!

And I agree, Emma - having different names does give rise to some very odd responses - at my wedding, my (very old-fashioned) aunt accused me (privately) of all sorts of peculiar practices when she found out I'd be keeping the "Brooke" AND (shock, horror!) not having children out of choice - I only wish I was physically capable of half of what she was suggesting! We've made our peace since then, you'll be glad to hear. And poor K has got used to my family ... I think.

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Fantastic news. Many congratulations.

Harry

I was very cross when one of my more un-reconstructed aunts and the one keenest on documenting the Family Tree she'd married in to told someone else that 'Emma Darwin doesn't exist. There's an Emma Blackstaffe'.

There was, sort of, because I did use my husband's name in a few places: I was quite willing to be Mr & Mrs Blackstaffe, and to use it to differentiate myself from my cousin Elizabeth, who shared my doctor. The face on the GP when she looked up from a 12year old's E. Darwin's notes , and found an 9mths pregnant 26yr old E. Darwin waddling through the door...

Emma

Thanks Holly. Funnily enough, a follow up to Unrequited is slowly gestating along that very theme -misplaced identity.

I suppose as things get more computerised, things like this will happen more frequently, and I can imagine the fuss caused by a marital name change. My nickname is Jack, so I often sit in rooms where some people call me that, some James, some Jim, some Jamie. It gets a little confusing for the uninitiated.

I can't wait to begin my WW library. Hopefully it will grow over the years to rival the mythical one at Alexandria!

JB

Thanks, Harry!

Ooh, Emma - there's definitely a story in there! I am still chuckling.

Double ooh - a follow-up already, JB - will add to my increasing WW list also!

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I want a signed copy Anne!!! Ohh so exciting, a celebrity among us now!! I've always admired you, you know that Holly right? Right?!?

Congratulations Anne, the author look suits you.

Sarah

Sounds like a great book, Anne; I hope it does really well for you. My reading year is going to be chocka with WW-ers now, it's wonderful.

Myrtle

And a big 'yes me too' to the sagas of having a different surname to one's child/husband...or in my case the not-being-married-at-all saga, which I'm astounded is such an issue in this day and age.

Many thanks, Sarah & Myrtle! Though I think I rather have the look of a frightened rabbit in the headlights of the oncoming car, to be honest ...

And if you ww-mail me with your address, Sarah, I shall sign and send a copy when it comes out, many thanks

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That's brilliant, Anne, and I agree it sounds like a good read!

Cath

Many congrats, Anne- you're on a roll! I'm keen to read it and the first WW review too! all the very best of luck.

Dear Cath & Anna - many thanks for your good wishes!

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