Happy Christmas Everyone

Well at last I've a few moments to myself to update my blog. I've been so busy at school and working my little socks off with the Children's Writing Competition. It was won by one of the Year 5 students with a wonderful story. The characters came alive on the page, the story took us on a journey and not a predictable one.
I've been enduring a horrid flu like cold, aches, pains and the like...(snotty nose etc) not pleasant I can tell you. Then there's been all the preparations for Christmas, so I've not had any time to write. But with the hard work over and time to sit and enjoy the festivities, I'm looking forward to getting the laptop out and start writing once again.
I've received some wonderful gifts this year and am about to settle down with a new book by Nora Roberts - writing as JD Robb and lose myself in the wonderful world of crime in the future. I was introduced to these books at the Winchester Writers Conference a few years ago and have since been hooked. Good escapism.
I hope what ever you are doing this Christmas season you will be having fun and finding new and interesting things to do. May you have peace, love and memories to cherish from this time to take forward into a productive and creative New Year.

In Print

Yesterday I received my copy of Writers' News. Inside was my short story 'Butterfly Cakes'. It was great to see my work in print. This was different from the other work I've had published. This was a competition. I had to write to order. I was a little concerned about the critique, but I needn't have been it was rather good. (My opinion) Each time I see my work in print it sends shivers down my spine. I've achieved another goal.
Now I need that proper book deal and to get my children's work out there. It seems a slow process but one in which I've learnt so much and indeed am still learning.
This year has been a good one and I'm hoping the progress and achievement will continue into the New Year and throughout the coming years. But I have to take it a step at a time. I don't want to trip over, I've still got a lot to learn and a long way to go, but I think I am getting there.

Christmas shopping

Well, with one new picture book story put to bed and everything now on hold until after Christmas...well should I say all major projects put on hold - I'll still be writing, I can't not write, but I don't suppose I'll have time to revisit anything now until after the New Year. However should any of the characters in my books start complaining (don't get me wrong, I don't hear voices!) but the characters are always there until the work is complete. I'm still waiting to hear about two pieces and don't really want to look at them again until I've heard from the agent and publisher involved. I do have a first full edit to do on Troggle School and might start that once I've finished the preparations for Christmas. Having made four Christmas cakes, I've still got to ice and decorate them. I'm hoping to start them this weekend. I've also started but am a long way from finishing my Christmas shopping. I went out early today and got a few things but still have loads to get and no time to get them. I guess that is the same as most people. My son is the hardest to buy for. He wants a fantastic special effects computer program that he's been using the demo of. I've now found it on Amazon and now need to order it. And hope it arrives before Christmas. I'm off now to get some gifts organised to send to my neglected friend in Cambridgeshire. I've been so involved in all that has been going on here, new central heating, school and a son going through his mocks that I've unintentionally neglected my longest standing friend. Sorry Lisa. Love you loads. Well I'm going so until next time.

Count down to Christmas

Well we are indeed on the count down to Christmas. I've managed to start preparations,but still have a great deal to do. I'm looking forward to getting started on the planning for the day, or should I say days as the days do seem to gel together into one holiday period. I love it. And do get a bit more me time.
I've finished Follow the Star my picture book and have had a look for somewhere to send it. I've still got to take yet another look, to make sure I can't improve it anymore before I send it out. But I'm pleased with it so far. Mind I'm sure I'll find something to change, I always do. Never satisfied that's me.
I'm currently having a new central heating system installed and have to say all is going well so far. It is dusty and messy and I'm living with furniture stacked upon furniture, but it should all be done by tonight - crossing everything I possibly can. Then I won't be sitting here in a blanket and coat. I'll be able to cook too! Yippy!
Christmas is a wonderful time at school. The children are already getting excited and I'm sure all the enthusiasm will show when they perform their Christmas shows. We have two. One for KS1 and the other for KS2. The Children are working hard and emotions are running wild, but it will be great, honest it will! However bad the rehearsals seem the children always shine on the day. Its a wonderful thing to experience. It makes it all worth while.
I'm off now to do some editing on Troggle school, so until next time...