An Update in the Life of Me

I thought I would post a quick update about what I've been up to since my last post and what I have planned for the Summer. As far as writing events go (and I am very late in posting this) Talking Books at Chester Library in June was a fantastic night. It was great to hear successful writers, Caroline Smailes, Nik Perring and Jon Mayhew talking about their writing process and sources of inspiration. Hopefully there will be similar events in the future. I will be reviewing both Nik Perring's Not so Perfect and Caroline Smailes' Like Bees to Honey as promised in the near future so watch this space.

As far as my writing goes, I am busy polishing up some stories and also a radio play. In the spirit of my favourite activity (procrastination), I am considering sending some of my work to a professional reader before testing the market with them. Any advice on this would be welcome. The novel is still plodding along but I really need to get some wordage on paper (or screen). The summer holidays are starting next week, but I have discovered that the local soft play area has free wifi. This may just save my sanity. I'm also looking into joining a writer's group. The end of A363 has left me missing my fellow writers and their valuable comments on my work. I can't make the local group so may have to look further afield.

Finally, if you know me personally, you'll know my son, Jake had a bit of a nasty accident at school a couple of weeks ago when a bench went through his cheek. He's back at school this week and healing up well, you can hardly tell he's had 15 stitches. We're going camping this weekend and I know he's looking forward to that.

Quick Update

It's been a bit of a break for the blog I'm afraid, and it's been a very busy time. Jake has gone of to school in his new uniform for the first time and is going to be the star in the nativity play, yes thats right, literally the star. That's going to be a bit of a costume challenge. I'm thinking sequins and cardboard. He spent a month of the first half of term off sick with Swine Flu but at least its over with now.

As for writing, I have started my Advanced Creative Writing course with the OU along side their new Children's Literature Course. I'm biting my fingernails waiting for the first creative writing grade of the year. It should be in sometime today. Eek. I'm completely deleting the opening chapters of my novel and am seriously considering writing it backwards as I have a climax I'm thrilled with and feel confident about the ending. Has anyone else done it this way?

September saw me complete the HACK for the NSPCC 24 miles turned into 27 as I got lost on the last mountain. We had fantastic weather which resulted in severe sunburn and I couldn't move for two days after. It was all worth it though. The photo below was after an hour of walking and I allowed myself a moment to watch the sunrise.

Anyway, I promise to blog more often and also have to catch up on my visiting.

H.A.C.K Hike Against Cruelty To Kids

I have just signed up to a 25 Mile hike in the Llyn Peninsula in September in aid of the NSPCC. It's going to be a big challenge but I'm starting training this weekend. Hopefully it should smooth out some of the lumps and bumps too.

If anyone supports the NSPCC and ChildLine and would like to sponsor me for this event, there is a widget to my fundraising page on the right hand side or alternatively please click here.

I promise to keep you updated on my bruises and blisters.

One for the Easter Holidays

It's very American But here's the link

I hope nothing like that happens this holiday, but then I don't have a ceiling fan.

Passionate Arguments.

Things I have had heartfelt discussions about today:

1. The nutritional benefits of apples vs custard creams.
2. Toothpaste: For hands or teeth?
3. Should the family dog have equal rights when it comes to the use of shoes and soft toys?
4. Shoes: Are they really neccessary in a muddy garden?
5. The bus: Will it be yellow or blue? (It was red)

Yes, just another day with my gorgeous 4 year old.