First Post Of The Year

This is a bit late to be talking New Year resolutions and all that malarky, especially if you set one, you've probably already given it up. Apparently that happened on the 9th January. 

I don't make New Year resolutions but I am trying to clear out the old, declutter, and work a little harder on me. I want to walk more, too. 

I'm looking to change my job (within the company, rather than leave) - this is where I trade hours for money and isn't really my career. I want a book published and will follow through with Plan B to self-publish if that's what it takes. And I want to build my UW business - because that offers me the time freedom then to write more. Win Win. 

I also need to blog more, don't I?

Anyway, a little late to the party, but if you're reading this, I do wish you a very happy and healthy New Year. What are your aims and goals for 2026? 

But remember you make your own happiness. Do not rely on other people to do this for you. You're responsible for You. Make it happen. Let 2026 be your year!

I'm in the business of offering people an option, it could even be the solution. I joined UW's Team Purple and it's the best thing I could have done! I make it easier, simpler and cheaper for people and get paid doing it. Leave a comment if this sounds like something you would like to learn more about. 

Hello 2022

It's a good job I haven't put blog more as one of my goals for 2022 because I think I would epically fail. 

However, I have some FAB news and I want to share on my blog (although I know I do have a newsletter that needs writing too!)

I'm not very good at setting New Year Resolutions. I am sure I've told you this before. However, with my new network marketing side show, I am encouraged to set goals, and to write them down and visualize them, as well as say affirmations. I've even recently done a positive coaching session with Liz Doyle who calls them intentions rather than goals. 

So among some business goals/intentions for 2022, I wrote on a post-it note as well as on my little white board to find a new job by 31st March 2022. (I wanted to change my job back in 2020 and then became a key-worker, remember?)

Well, peeps, I've only gone and done just that! 

2022 has started off superbly with Mistletoe At The Manor selling well and remaining a Best Seller for over 2 months (more on that in my newsletter.) But now I also have a fresh start! 

I have only four more shifts at the Post Office and then I'm having a couple of weeks off before I start my new job! It's more hours, and I will be working in Corporate Services for my local council. It'll include some home working too once I am fully trained. 

I will still have time to write (more on that another day) and time to work my home-based business. 

The great thing is no more working Saturdays and no more Christmases in the Post Office! 

So I am now fully onboard with this visualising your goals business because the Universe WILL provide. 

Write them down, make them visible and say those affirmations every morning! You can do this! 

Do Soulmates Exist?

Do you believe in soulmates?

As a romantic novelist I do... I'm writing about them, aren't I? But in reality, do they really exist?

This month marks that I have been separated/divorced from my ex-husband seven years. In this time, through online dating, I have met quite a few a couple of guys, and one in particular really did make me think I'd found my soulmate. But it wasn't to be. He Who Shall Not Be Named conned me out of my heart basically. I won't go into too much detail in this blog post. Let's just say I've written enough discussing it in the past. You can start here if you like. But I did waste 14 months of my life on the wrong man who made me believe he was my Mr Right.

Anyway, seven years single... on and off... and I'm still wondering will I find my Mr Right? Will I find someone who ticks most of the boxes. Maybe 'ticking boxes' is a crude term, but we all have things we look for in a partner, don't we? (Or is it just as we get older?)

And I'm not talking about materialistic boxes, I'm talking about their personality, their attitudes and beliefs in life. (Some of the materialistic ones are important too - you're a liar if you say they are not). These boxes are what help us click.

The longer I live a single life, the more I'm getting to enjoy it, and I'm not even sure I want to make time for someone else. But then occasionally I miss the kisses, the cuddles, the intimacy, someone to share everything with.

I did meet a guy last year. He really was one of the good guys. I know he was. My womanly-sixth-spidery-sense told me. He ticked every box going and some! However, there wasn't that 'spark' - not for me anyway. I am still kicking myself. I really really wanted there to be a spark!

But it's something you just can't force. Mother Nature won't let you.

Why does life send me arseholes to fall in love with, and when a good guy comes along I don't fancy them? (And it's nothing to do with falling for bad boys - if you ever saw He Who Shall Not Be Named there was definitely nothing bad-boy about him!) It makes me think I'm best not looking for love.

If you truly believe you've found your soul mate, then hang on to them, work at it when times get tough, and treasure every moment with this person, because I believe finding a soulmate is very few and far between. Not everyone gets to meet theirs. You are truly lucky.

So as I enter 2019, like I did 2018, single, I will see where it leads... Back in 2013 I was afraid of being on my own. For 2019, I can say confidently, I am not afraid anymore.

If only Tom Hardy would have me as a friend with benefits...

Wishing You All A Happy New Year!

I want to take this opportunity to wish all my friends, family, readers, and fellow writers a Happy New Year! Everyone who connects with me through social media - Happy New Year!

I'm getting it in early, as tomorrow I will actually be working. Then, I'll probably get side-tracked playing That's You or Knowledge is Power on the PS4 with the boys...

I want to especially thank the readers for buying my books, and leaving great reviews. This really does help authors, especially when they're questioning whether their writing is shit or not. (Me - all the time.) To read a five-star review does squash that negativity - even if it's my first book published five years ago.

2018 has been fairly positive for me, especially by writing those three positives a day, I have focused on the good things this year. It is something I will continue to do in 2019. I also have my friends to thank for keeping me positive, keeping me laughing and having so much fun. I have embraced being a singleton.

Sadly, I don't have a new book contract, so I have no idea what 2019 will bring on the book front, only that I will continue to write and persevere with my writing career. I actually have an idea now mulling around my head which is not likely to be deemed romance, but more commercial women's fiction.

However, I do have some fantastic events already planned for 2019! (It's about getting dates in the diary.) Can't wait for February, where I will be visiting Dublin for the first time ever and I am involved with the Weston Literary Festival again.

So watch this space!

I'm not very good at making new years resolutions, but I do want this year to be focused on improving my house - it needs decorating! (It will be a case of hoping the writing doesn't suffer and how much funds allow. Decorating party, anyone?)

Have a very happy New Year, and I wish you a positive year. And if occasionally life throws you a negative, try to take the positives from it.

Much love, to you all,

Teresa x 

A Christmas Message

I want to wish all my readers, friends and family a very Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year! Here's hoping 2019 brings you bigger and brighter things... and maybe even some Karma (sorry couldn't resist).

As a treat, here's a snippet from One Fine Day.

This is one of my favourite scenes, which I had so much fun writing. As you may know, I love my superheroes. Admittedly when I wrote this Man Of Steel had been released, but the current Wonder Woman with the beautiful Gal Gadot had not.

One Fine Day is the only novel I've written that contains Christmas... (Although this scene isn't it), so if you're looking for a wintry story, this could be for you.

Steve stared at his reflection in the mirror. Had Ruby taken this a step too far? Was this some kind of joke?

Superman. He was wearing a goddamn Superman costume. And he had a mask of Christopher Reeve’s face. To get into character, he’d slicked his hair so that it had the quiff at the front and looked darker.

“Come on, Steve. We need to be there by seven-thirty,” Ruby called up the stairs.

Maybe it was a good job he was working because he wasn’t sure where he was supposed to store his wallet. He stood at the top of the stairs, hands on his hips.

“Couldn’t you have found a better costume?”

“The theme is film stars and characters. And I left it a bit late. That was really the only thing in your size. Besides, I think it’s apt.” Ruby, unrecognisable dressed as Wonder Woman – including the black wig of hair – stood at the bottom, matching his stance. They were both getting into character, obviously.

“Apt! More like tight.”

“Shove a pair of socks down there if you’re worried.”

“I don’t need to put socks down there. Thank you very much.” That certainly wasn’t his problem. He wondered if this took his disguise to another level. Oh, the irony. But wasn’t he supposed to be dorky, and here he was showing off his toned physique. Maybe he should have laid off the exercise... Would a cardboard mask of Christopher Reeve really hide who he was?

Amazon UK
Amazon US 

Oh, January....

I thought of this as I was running my 5K today. It was cold, and I was thinking how I couldn't wait for the warmer weather to arrive. A dog walker laughed at me as I passed, saying to her, "Lord knows why I'm doing this..."

But I told myself this was me, making myself fitter, stronger and healthier for 2018. If I was taught anything from last year, you just don't know what real life is going to throw at you, and I want to make sure I'm at my strongest mentally and physically when I receive the next curve ball.

However, trying to be clean in January is practically impossible, as I still have chocolate hanging around, and cheese and biscuits, and cake. I don't like wasting food. I can't just throw it out - besides some of it belongs to the boys!

I'm trying to be good, but I think I'll be able to make a more concerted effort February, with less chocolate and treats still filling my cupboards. February, I'll try harder at sticking at being clean Monday to Friday. Of course weekends are the 20% naughtiness we're allowed.

Anyway, how's your 2018 going so far? I think it takes a couple of weeks to get back into routine and back on track.

First Post In 2018

My first blog post for the New Year!

And I've realised I never shared a picture of my scrummy, chocolate Christmas cake!

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and a fun New Year. I spent New Year with a best friend, and we had a giggle, or two, or three...

For my birthday I was given a new diary, which I am using to keep up writing my 3 positives each day. It lives by my bed, so it's the last thing I do before turning off my lamp. Some days are easier than others, but it's amazing, if you dig deep, even the little things each day are all positive.

Like I've said before I don't really do resolutions, but being in the process of reading Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers, she's made me focus on the elements important in my life, and I'm going be more conscious of keeping focused on the things that make me happy. Keep dedicated to friendships (and relationships), making time for the people important to me. Making sure I look after myself, physically, which in turn will help with my mental health. (I'm not mad... but I want to stay positive, be stronger minded, more confident.)

I am also going to look into changing my part-time job. Although I enjoy my current job as it fits well around the boys, there are elements of it that make me unhappy, and I've been thinking for a long time now I'd love to give up working Saturdays. I think I've been cradled by the safety net of the company I work for, and because I've been there thirteen years I fear leaving.

I have a few things to look forward to. 27th February is the Weston-super-Mare Literary festival. If you're interested, you can book your tickets here! I'm on the panel of "This is what a romance author looks like." You can follow the Weston Lit Festival Facebook page also!

Also pencilled in the diary is the RNA conference in July and the Romantic Novel of the Year Awards Presentation in March.

Slightly further away are my two holidays! Polzeath in May and Kos in October!

And of course I hope book four gets published this year!

2018 is already so exciting!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I just wanted to wish everybody (especially those I can't send Christmas cards to) a very Merry Christmas. And I hope that 2018 brings you better and brighter things than 2017.


I am certainly hoping for this. I don't really do resolutions, but I am going to work on me next year. I need to make myself stronger physically and mentally. I need to build my self-esteem so that I don't fall into the same trap again in a relationship. (More on that on another blog post maybe?)


Yesterday the boys helped with the baking. I made a Christmas cake (with photos to follow once I've decorated it.)

Kieran helped make the mince pies and Ben thoroughly enjoyed building the gingerbread house.

They may be older, and so the magic of Santa has disappeared. But as they say, as one door closes another opens. It was lovely all working in the kitchen together yesterday.

Merry Christmas, everyone,

from the Morgans x x x

New Year New Book

This is what I think I should do to plot a book... 

New Year, new resolutions and all that.

I'm not very good at making those, but I have started writing my next book.

What with my four years of online dating experience, I have been urged (by my current beau #TheBoss - who I met through online dating) to write my online dating story. I mean I have so much material!

I've noticed writers say they're going to write 1000 words a day, etc. and for me that's no good. It's not possible. I'd be failing before I even started. There's no point setting yourself something unachievable. It's not motivational.

I work part-time, so on the days I work, I don't tend to get to write. I have two kids, so I try not to write during the evenings, and use that time to relax and read. And now I have a new man - who takes up my weekends, so there's no way I can sit down every day and bash out 1000 words.

Anyway, I got to thinking; what if I try to reach 5000-7000 words a week. I have three days a week where I try to set aside writing. Although even I don't get write on all of these days sometimes.

At the moment I don't think even this is possible, as I am in the throws of researching (which I tend to do a bit as I write because I'm the pantster type writer apparently...) I'm just not very good at the whole plotting thing. I just end up writing and research as I go. I make notes, don't get me wrong, and make sure I put the main points I need to get into the book, but I like how the story comes to me from my head through my fingers on the keyboard, and onto the screen.

Then I got to thinking, well what if worse case scenario, I only got 3000 words written a week, in those 3 days... How long would it take me to write approximately a 90,000 word novel. So I did the math.

Basically, it would take 30 weeks, which is around 7.5 months (if they're all 4 week months!). Well that's not so bad. I could be looking at by the end of July having the first draft finished.

So that's my plan. It might be a bit longer than that as we need to factor in school holidays - but some weeks, once this novel really takes off, and I don't have to think up new names, or sneak off to the internet for some research, I'll get more than 3000 words written a week - easy.

I do use a spreadsheet to see how many words I write a day, so I can monitor my progress and see if I'm on target. I've marked off the 90th day. So let's see if I can do this.

Currently it's working title is The Golden Rules To Online Dating.

A Happy, Healthy New Year

Well, 2016 has been a fun one. Not. But I do have mixed feelings for last year.

I started it single. And happy I was.

There are so many celebrity deaths, some quite shocking that it just seemed to be taking away childhood favourites, and showing a sign that I was getting older too. Then we don't even want to talk about Brexit and Donald Trump. I fear 2017 may also be a tough year, as a consequence of the results of 2016.

However, I did meet someone (who I will refer to as #TheBoss although we all know I'm the boss really). I went on a date with this man, thinking it would probably be only the one date, like the others...  And we've shared the last six months together... :D And hopefully we will share many, many more months... years... to come. He is my calming influence. So 2016 has not been all bad.

I'm not really one for making New Years resolutions, but I do like to try and make dates, plan more to do, catch up with friends, and to try and worry less.

I have a new book release this year, so this will be exciting to look forward to. My friend and I want to see Jasper Carrott (it's a long story) and he's coming to Weston! We (#TheBoss and I) have booked Harry Potter studio tour for January with our kids - which we maybe more excited about than the kids - so already my diary is filling up.

What about you? What do you hope 2017 holds for you?

Let me take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy, healthy New Year. Fingers crossed 2017 isn't so disastrous.

If You Say You're Going To Do Something, Do It! #2016

I wasn't sure whether to write a blog to reflect on my year. To be honest, with the boys home, watching movies with them so that they go to bed later than the norm, I haven't had a chance.

So this is a quickie!

Last year, like all years, has had its ups and downs. I had a big learning curve in the romance department, but it's done me good, because I am entering 2016 no longer with this dire need for a man. I am learning to be happily single.

In this past year, I've seen my second book come out in eBook and paperback, and I've finished writing my third. I don't like really setting resolutions, more like plans.

My plans are:

I want to continue in my efforts to stay fit and healthy, and remain in my size 10 jeans.

I want to write another book (book 4) and aim to get book 3 published by the end of 2016.

I want to support friends and family where I can, have mini adventures with my kids, and even some on my own.

I want to read to as close of my target books to read in a year (30) as possible.

I want to chip away slowly at the home improvements required in my house. I have said I must spend more time in the garden, and this can be achieved without affecting the writing time, because I am no longer chasing the dream of finding my soul mate. I will not chase men.

I want to be happy, positive and supportive. And to have fun. As I get older I see how quick these years whiz by.

Some of these things I may not have huge amounts of control over. The book being published, relies on a publisher liking it. Some adventures will require money I'll have to save.

My motto or mantra for 2016 will be: If you say you're going to do something, do it! 

I'm looking forward to 2016 too. I will have been writing for ten years! But maybe I'll save that for another blog post. :)

Finally, I want to wish all my friends, family, followers, readers and fellow writers a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Goodbye 2014 - Hello 2015

Here we are. The last day of 2014.

Every year I think it flew by, then I look back and remember all the things I did and realise it was pretty jammed packed. For 2015 I might even do the cookie jar thing, by placing happy memories into the jar.

Today I ticked Ice skating off my bucket list. I think I've only done it once before as a child, and today, thirty odd years later, I went ice skating with my kids. I'm relieved to say I enter 2015 without any broken bones! Or bruises - I didn't fall over. Plenty of wobbles, but no falls.

They were much better than me - as I clung to the sides going round the rink - hence not falling over. Then I realised, kids have no fear. They don't care if they fall over - but I do!

Kieran had a seal, and Ben just went for it. Both had a few falls but they got back up and skated again. The only time I left the sides of the rink was when Kieran let me use his seal. (Next time - if there is ever a next time - I'm getting one of those things for me too!)

I'm not very good with New Year resolutions however, this year, I've set myself one: to get a passport. Mine expired a few years ago, and I haven't been abroad in ten years now, and I love flying. And how is Mr Aquarius going to whisk me off on a surprise mini break if I don't have a passport?

I'm also adding "to try and write more" - but this is always easier said than done. I need a third book, as I don't have any in hand written. So I need to knuckle down and write.

I already have a couple of things to look forward to in 2015! Once Plus One is a Lucky Number finishes in the 12 Days of Kindle Amazon sale - it has 6 days left, on the 8th January my second book, One Fine Day is published... you can preorder now :) and later on in January we are seeing the theatrical production of War Horse at the Bristol Hippodrome.

On that note, I'd like to wish you all a very Happy New Year and may 2015 bring you much happiness! And book sales (if you're an author).

First Blog Post of 2014

pic thanks to Henry Cavill FB page

New Year's resolutions should be kept realistic - in marketing terms S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time Scaled) - so wanting to marry Henvil Cavill, with him wearing his Superman outfit while I'm donned as Wonder Woman is probably a resolution stretch too far. It's not impossible, but not likely to be probable... but a girl can dream, right?

2013 wasn't a bad year for me. Okay, it sent me my usual ups and downs in life, that we all get, highs and lows, but nothing I couldn't survive, or time didn't heal.

I did start the year moving into a new home, and however much smaller it is to my old house, it is all mine, and it's cosy, and I've never felt more at home in a house than I do in this place. I'm lucky that I have nice neighbours and a fantastic Dad who's helped with the DIY.

Half way through the year I then got 'the call'. And in August I saw my very first book published, Plus One Is A Lucky Number. I don't think anything can quite top that, other than having a baby. But that's a different achievement in itself.

I've never really known what I wanted to do in life, I've ambled along in secretarial, market research and administration before the kids were born, and when I decided I wanted to be a writer, I knew it would be a hard slog to see that book published. To have achieved it and to be apart of one of the biggest publishers in the UK (let alone the world) is just EPIC.

I'm not very good at setting Resolutions. However, I will endeavour to read more (and play CandyCrush less). I will set myself the target of 40 books over on Goodreads again. I didn't achieve it last year, or the year before, (2012 was a turmoil one for me) but it's good to have a goal, as it motivates me to read.

Two, I am under contract to finish a second book. I want to get it edited and over to my editor by the end of January - February latest. This way I can start writing my third book, which I would like to deliver to my editor by the end of the year. Yes, I would like to see two more books out there with Teresa F Morgan on them by the end of 2014.

Three, meet Henry Cavill... okay, okay, that one isn't SMART, I know!

But that's about it. I will try not to get too upset or take it to heart when friends let me down. I need to be less paranoid and more focussed, and appreciate the good friends that I do have. I'll try to remain as fit and healthy as I can (I want to start running again! So intend to get my hip looked at), sticking to my everything in moderation rule.

Whether 2013 was good or bad for you, I hope that 2014 is better. Remember, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and that time is a very good healer. If there is one thing I did learn from last year, it was not to be afraid and to take that step, however risky it may appear. You only live once, so make the most of it. If things in life don't make you happy, then try to change it.

Happy New Year!

Blog Takeover: Lynn Marie Talks New Year's Resolutions and Frou-Frou Cocktails

I'm handing my blog over to Lynn Marie Hulsman, a fellow Harper Impulse Rom-Com author! She's talking New Year's resolutions. Take it away Lynn Marie! 

I’m usually eager to make New Year’s resolutions. This year I’ll lose enough weight to fit into my high school jeans. In the next 12 months, I’ll organize my closets in so well they make Martha Stewart’s look like a hot mess. Even though I am not a medical doctor, this year I will find a cure for malaria. While it’s good to have goals, overshooting the mark can leave me feeling inadequate and defeated.

This year, I have a better resolution. In 2014, my plan is to support myself through gentle reassurance instead of force and criticism. I treat my best girlfriends this way, why not myself? Each time the “shoulds” start, I will remind myself that I’m OK as I am. At this weight, with my house the way it is, and with the achievements I already have in my quiver. I’ll conserve the energy I used to put into struggle to be a different person, and put it into something worthwhile like my writing.

As a kick-off to this new way of behaving, I’m going to do something I rarely do: Go to a lot of trouble for myself. I love fancy cocktails when I’m out at a bar or restaurant. At home, I usually settle for a simple glass of Sauvignon Blanc. This year, I’m going to push out the boat and treat myself to a Sparkly Peach and Cranberry Cocktail. I hope you’ll do the same!

Sparkly Peach and Cranberry Cocktails

Of course champagne is lovely for toasting the New Year, but why not kick off 2014 with something a notch more special? Here’s a cocktail that would be equally at home at a winter wedding or a black-tie event.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, the visual “wow” factor of this simple-to-make cocktail would have even Carrie Bradshaw tweeting a selfie with her gorgeous glass. The cunning combination of evergreen rosemary sprigs and the deep, wintry red of the cranberries will leave your guests gasping! But art is not the only trick these sparklies have up their sleeves: They taste sublime. One sip of the silky peach, offset by the tang of the cranberry, and rounded out by the aromatic Prosecco, and you’ll swear you’ve heard angels sing.

Makes 8 flutes

2 tablespoons dried cranberries

1/2 cup / 118 ml peach nectar

2 750ml bottles Prosecco

8 thin sprigs fresh rosemary, each slightly taller than the bowls of your champagne flutes, washed and patted dry

Place the cranberries in a small, heatproof bowl, and cover them in boiling water. Soak the berries until cool, about 30 minutes. Drain, gently pat dry, and refrigerate until serving.

Divide the peach nectar evenly among eight Champagne flutes. Now, divide the cranberries evenly among the flutes. Pouring down the sides of the flutes, add the Prosecco.

Garnish each glass with a rosemary sprig, and serve.

Christmas at Thortnon Hall blurb: 

When Juliet Hill unwittingly discovers a most-definitely-not-hers-rhinestone-studded lace thong in her high-flying lawyer boyfriend's apartment, this usually feisty chef is suddenly single and facing a very blue Christmas - with only a ready meal for one to keep her company!

So when she's personally requested to cater for the family at Thornton Hall three days before Christmas, it's not long before Juliet's standing at the (back) door of the impossibly grand ancestral pile.

The halls are decked, the guests are titled, those below the stairs are delightfully catty, and all-American Juliet sets to work cooking up a glorious British Christmas with all the trimmings.

But other flames are burning besides those on the stove... Sparks fly with Edward, the gorgeous ex-soldier turned resident chef, and are those sidelong looks Juliet's getting from her boss, the American tycoon Jasper Roth?

As the snow starts to fall on the idyllic Cotswolds countryside, so does the veneer of genteel high society and there are more than a few ancient skeletons rattling out of the Hall's numerous dark cupboards!

CHRISTMAS AT THORNTON HALL is a country house romance for the modern age, a must-read for fans of the scandals and drama of Downton Abbey and the charm and wit of Helen Fielding.

Lynn Marie Hulsman is a novelist in New York City, where she lives with her husband and two children. You can find more about her on the links below!

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / 

Thank you so much, Lynn Marie! Happy New Year everyone!

Hello, 2013!

Usually, with the entering of a new year, I shrug my shoulders and don't really think about it too much. It's just another year, with another number. An excuse to polish off a bottle of bubbly but it's just another day, New Year's Day. Tomorrow is likely to be raining! lol! Actually Dad says the forecast is dry for a couple of weeks... we will see. We might be able to put those umbrellas away - 2012 has been miserable in weather reflecting my life aptly.

This time last year, I knew that I was going to make a life changing decision and I was going to have to raise it in 2012. I started the year with dread of what I was about to do, but hopeful for my new start.

Then it kind of dragged...

Therefore, I will be glad to see the back of 2012. It's been one emotional journey, and although I had to go through it to set me on the right path, it has not been easy. Plus I lost my Nan, and I've had other emotional ups and downs I never even considered. Hopefully it's toughened me up, it has certainly made me aware of who my good friends are.

However, with 2013, the year I turn 40, maybe it is my life beginning. So I am looking forward to 2013! (Please don't let me down.) I am already entering this new year a whole lot happier than I was this time last year, so that has to be something.

For me, next year will be about focussing on my new home, which will be my new start in life, and trying to get that damn book published. Maybe 2013 will be my year? I have rejoined the RNA NWS.

And so, with this blog post, I want to wish you all a prosperous and happy New Year. Happiness being the key. I have learnt life is too short to be unhappy and that there is happiness out there. There will be tough times, every year sends them our way, but try to focus on the happiness, the good times. And the writing...

I have failed this year to read as much as the year before, and I haven't blogged as often as I did in 2011 either. So 2013 is the year I get back on it. Goodbye, 2012!

Of course, I can't leave it there... It just wouldn't be my blog. You need something else to help ease you into 2013... as well as a bottle of bubbly. These guys will help pour your drink. :)

2010 - Christmas Round Up and Goals

I was supposed to blog about Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and just run out of time.  I haven't really had much time to write, with both kids and hubby at home, I can't sneak off like I want to into my study.

The boys' faces were perfect pictures on Christmas Day opening their stockings.  Kieran especially as he's really coming into an age where he understands it.

We have my dad over for Christmas Day and it's always a relaxing day.  We put on one of the kids DVD's they got from Santa for some quiet time, and caught a little of The One Ronnie, but otherwise we don't really put the TV on.  Who wants to watch Eastenders and Corry claptrap?  They are the most depressing story lines ever and how many wives can Ian Beale have?  Or kids for that matter?  I know it's for some, but it certainly isn't for me.  Since I have found writing, I don't find time for TV - not much that is great to watch.  (We have recorded Doctor Who though!)

Boxing Day was spent with hubby's family.  They all came over early and we had a lovely day with them - and the boys got MORE presents!  And we still had snow on the ground by this point.  But Monday the thaw came and our snow is completely gone now.

My Christmas cake is a success!  Still half of it left though - it's a very big cake!

Tuesday we went to my mum's as the snow had thawed, and yes, more presents!  Before the big event, Mum had provided me with a crate of 'stocking' presents, which I put under the tree from Santa - to be 'tree' presents.  I'm still handing them out now.  Christmas is certainly not over in this household.

Yesterday we went to the panto in town to see Cinderella.  We always go to Weston, rather than Bristol, because we still get a great production and I believe if we don't support locally, we'll lose our theatre.  This year my dad came with us as he wasn't required to look after Kieran, as he came for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it.  He was mesmerised by the whole thing.  Ben was really getting involved and it was another fun panto.  "Oh, yes it was!"

I love going to the panto at Christmas, it brings fond childhood memories back as my dad always used to take us.  It would round off Christmas just nicely, and I want my kids to have those special memories too. 

So today is the last day of 2010.  What will 2011 bring?  I've been writing for four years now, and I've been studying the Writer's Bureau Comprehensive Writing Course over a year, as I think I signed up in the summer/autumn of 2009.  I've put a page on my blog to show my writing sucesses.  At the moment, there are only three and these were unpaid - I did win a Leapster 2 for my Tip Of The Month.  Hoping to add more to this list in 2011.

I'm going to try and set myself some realistic goals.  I can't say I want to publish a novel - I have no control over that, however I do have control over submitting my first novel to publishers in 2011.  I want to try and sell or enter more short story competitions and submit more articles to magazines.  So my general goal is to submit more work! 

Although I would like to attempt to read 40 books again this year, I may have to split my reading time between books and magazines (as suggested by my tutor), to help with the 'submitting more articles' goal.  So I will set myself the 40 target but not beat myself up if I don't get there.  The target really helped me to pick up books and read them.  In another blog, I'll list the books I've read this year.

Happy New Year to everyone!  May life be happy, though there maybe waves to ride - we know there will be ups and downs, and let's hope 2011 is a year for making some dreams come true.