Friday 16 December 2016

Time to celebrate Christmas . . .

The Christmas tree is up, the wreath is hanging on the front door, most of the presents bought and hidden safely away, yougest home from university and now with the end of the school term today, it is really starting to feel like Christmas is begininng! 

Actually, the celebrations started last weekend as I went for a meal out with folks from work and then the following evening we invited friends and neighbours around for drinks and food so it was a busy couple of days! 

Also this week I managed a trip to the cinema to see Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. I really enjoyed it and it was nice to sit for a couple of hours and relax in front of a movie. It's been busy at school with Christmas lunches, parties, special assemblies and all the other Christmassy activities so already my brain feels overloaded!

I LOVE this tree decoration my eldest daughter surprised me with this week. I mean it's purple, it's a unicorn . . . what's not to love! 




There is no doubt Christmas can be stressful. All that anticipation, the throwing together of people, the expectation that everything should be perfect and all should be well. Personally, I have found this time of year difficult for several years now, but I am trying to stay calm and enjoy it as much as possible. 

Whatever you are doing for the holidays I wish you a happy and peaceful time. 





                                                     Thanks to Lexa and her lovely co-hosts
            L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The Edge 
   Tonja Drecker @ Kidbits Blog

Wednesday 7 December 2016

Insecure Writer's Support Group (Dec)


It's time for the final IWSG posting of 2016! Where did it go? I hope it's been a good writing year for you - not too many insecurities! However, if you're anything like me there have been plenty of bouts of insecurity and some gigantic dollops of self-doubt to keep you company over the last twelve months! Good job we've got the wonderful Alex J. Cavanaugh and the Insecure Writer's Support Group to keep us going.



I'll be honest, I've been struggling to stay focused with my writing this last couple of months. I was so excited to complete my last manuscript. I invested so much in it, emotionally and financially that I really thought it was my time. Everything seemed to be falling into place and feedback from my lovely editor and a couple of agents who read the full manuscript was encouraging . . . that was back in the early summer. A few weeks later I was delighted to hear my manuscript had been long listed for the Mslexia Children's Book Award, a huge achievement and another boast of encouragement that I was on the right track with this story. Sadly it didn't make the recent short list and now I'm left feeling like I'm no further forward. The illusive next step just out of reach.

I know, I know . . . patience is something writer's need in bucket loads. Along with thick skins and the ability to bounce back higher than one of those snazzy powerballs! Maybe I'm just feeling sorry for myself, but then maybe I'm allowed to - for a while at least. The thing is, I really want to shift this cloud that is hanging over me and I'm hoping the new year will give me renewed energy and the inspiration to push ahead with my new WIP.

All of which leads me nicely onto this month's question - in terms of your writing career, where do you see yourself five years from now, and what's your plan to get there?

Well, I'd really, really like to be a published author! The plan to get there? Keep going and don't allow myself to give up I guess!

Keep calm and write on!



Please note, due to work commitments today, I will be unable to respond or return comments today. I will catch up asap. 



Friday 2 December 2016

Celebrate the small things

Well, I'm sorry I kind of 'disappeared' online again . . . it wasn't planned, it just sort of happened! I have been spending a lot of my free time over the last couple of weeks decorating and up-cycling a few pieces of furniture. I have to say I am very pleased with the results too!





Then, last weekend, we suddenly decided it would be a great idea to paint the kitchen. The cream paintwork was looking a bit tired and in real need of a refresh. So, did we simply dig out the old tin of paint from the shed and slap it on? Nope. We headed for the DIY store and chose . . . . a vibrant raspberry. Quite a change and I was unsure to start with but now I love it! It is warm and cosing and if nothing else, quite festive! What do you think?

This weekend I am going to try and get a bit of Christmas shopping done and probably the only writing that will happen is in some Christmas cards! How are your Christmas preparations going? Can you believe it's December already?



Happy weekend everyone.



Thanks to Lexa and her lovely co-hosts
            L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The Edge 
   Tonja Drecker @ Kidbits Blog