Two Weeks Being A Full-Time Writer

Me, Rachel Brimble & Jane Lark

This weekend is the RNA Conference and I'm not attending! I'm going to miss the buzz of putting faces to names, catching up with old friends, the pink lanyards, the goodiebags, the late evenings drinking wine and the fantastic writing sessions and talks, and the parties in the kitchens...

I first attended back in 2011, which was the start of my RNA journey, introducing me to the New Writers Scheme, which definitely helped to aid my journey to publication. I then attended back in 2014, as a full member of the RNA and I long to attend again, but sadly, working Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays it buggers up going away weekends generally.

Me, Sue Fortin & Mandy Baggot

However, in hindsight, I could have gone to the RNA Conference this year after all. (I am kicking myself just a little bit). Initially, I didn't have enough holiday to cover taking the time off work and this was my main reason for not committing to attend.

The store where I work is now closed for two weeks for a refit and I'm taking the time off unpaid. It closed Monday, so I don't have to work at all this weekend. In fact I don't go back until Friday 28th July... *rolls eyes*

Our RNA Chapter (Bath & Wiltshire)

Admittedly, my eldest is going on his school trip Sunday - his first time abroad, yet not on a plane. It is also my weekend to have the boys, before they go off for two weeks the following weekend with their dad for the summer holidays, so I still can't drop everything and go now.

Never mind. There's always next year... And I did get to attend the Harper Collins 200th Anniversary Summer Party - so it's not like I've not had a party! (Really need to blog about that one too).

Mary Cross (who sadly passed away this year) & Lizzie Lane

But yes, you read right. I do have two and a bit weeks, off! What am I doing with this time you may ask... Well, I am living the life of a full-time writer! I am making sure I get writing in every day of the week (except weekends - a girl's got to live a little).

Five days a week of writing! Plus the boys will be off the first two weeks of the holidays (although I have to go back to work)... this gives me four weeks to crack on and finish my first draft. So exciting!

For all those attending the RNA Conference this weekend, travel safe, enjoy the experience, and make sure you take plenty of wine... Say hello to everyone from me! x x x



n.b. all photos were taken from the RNA Summer Conference 2014. 

Fake Friday With Lisa Hill #TuesNews

Today I have the lovely author Lisa Hill on my blog. Her debut novel, Meet Me at Number Five is published by Choc Lit on the 20th June 2017. 

Lisa and I first met, way back in 2011 at the RNA Conference as wannabe authors and have been friends since. We have quite a lot in common, especially both being mothers to boys. (Lisa has three, I stuck at two). 

I am thrilled to have Lisa on my blog as a published author! And I can't wait to read her book. 

Hello Lisa. Tell me, which of your characters is your favourite, and why?

So, Meet Me at Number Five is about heroine, Grace, who is desperate to have a baby but four days before she is due to start her first round of IVF her husband, Charlie, announces he’s got another woman pregnant and also heroine, Hennie, who is Grace’s cousin and is a single mum who has renounced men because all the hot ones take one look at the children and look away and those who aren’t frightened off by the children are dull. Hennie lives with Grace and Hennie’s Nana, Clara, who is the matriarch of the family; a septuagenarian racehorse owner who likes to live the high life. Clara is by far my favourite character; she is glamourous, forthright, kind and loves to be the puppeteer and meddle in everyone’s affairs (nothing like me, of course).

Did you manage to get the first book you wrote published, or is it tucked in a drawer somewhere?

No, the first book I ever wrote was called Meant to Be. I was a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme and it received a fantastic critique report but after going on a writing retreat with Julie Cohen I could see why it didn’t work so I rewrote it entirely and entitled it Heart in the Right Place. It’s set in Yorkshire and is about a heroine called Lottie who is the daughter-in-law in a family of estate agents and is desperate to have more than a part-time role whilst looking after her three kids. When the famous period drama actor, Tom Thorpe, arrives on the scene and offers Lottie the opportunity to act as a Relocation Agent for celebrity friends of his, it drives a big wedge between Lottie and her husband Drew and they go on a journey to overcome their differences. Heart was shortlisted in the 2015 Choc Lit Search for a Star competition and, having edited it some more, is currently under review with Choc Lit again so hopefully my original heroine, Lottie, will have her time in the limelight very soon.

Do you have a favourite author?

Yes and she knows how much I love her! I started reading Jill Mansell when I finished my A-Levels in 1998 and pretty much spent the entire summer reading her back catalogue. I think she is an inspiring author; I love her ability to make her stories about some quite serious subjects but with a light hearted tone too. She’s extremely talented. My favourite novel is Head Over Heels and it eventually inspired me to try and write a novel of my own.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee! I never drink tea; if you cut me open I swear caffeine would spurt forward!

I think this is why we get on so well. Our love for coffee! 

Starbucks or Costa?

Not fussy, especially if someone else is paying ;) Cappuccino every time which is a bit strange seeing I only every drink black coffee at home.

Thanks so much, Lisa, for popping over to my blog. Congratulations with the publication of your debut novel and good luck with the sales and reviews! 

Author Bio:

Lisa grew up in the village of Bussage, near Stroud, in the Cotswolds until she returned to Cheltenham as a teenager. She is married to her very own hero, Matt, and has three sons, Hamish, Archie and Laurence. Her first encounter of a romance author was chats over the garden wall between her father, Godfrey, and Mrs Cooper from the neighbouring village of Bisley. It came as quite a surprise in later life to find that Mrs Cooper was in fact Jilly Cooper! Lisa’s writing inspiration now comes from other Cotswolds authors including Jill Mansell and Katie Fforde.

Lisa writes contemporary romance with a light-hearted tone. What interests her most is people, their interactions, emotions and relationships. It’s probably why her career to date has been based in property; she confesses herself that she is ‘naturally curious’.

When she’s not busy writing, helping Matt run his electrical empire, or being her sons’ taxi service Lisa enjoys running with her gun dog, Sparky. They are both currently training for the Stroud half-marathon although Sparky’s motivation lies much more in chasing bunny rabbits.

Lisa is a graduate of the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers’ Scheme and attributes this supportive and informative scheme to her winning the Choc Lit Search for a Star competition 2016 with her debut novel, Meet Me at Number Five.

Blurb:

What if finding happiness was a race against time?

Grace Cavendish knows a thing or two about horses – but what she doesn’t know is that her husband, top horse racing trainer Charlie Carrisbrook, is having a literal ‘roll in the hay’ right under her nose.

When the painful truth is revealed Grace has no choice but to move in with her highly-strung grandmother Clara and cousin Hennie; a single mum who has renounced men (at least that’s what she says!)

Determined to start again, Grace takes a job at the local restaurant, Number Five. And whilst serving up coffee and cake is a far cry from the stables, she enjoys it – especially as she gets to work alongside the rather scrumptious Sam Whittaker.

But the past is racing to catch up with Grace. Can her life still be a romp to victory or will a devastating secret stop her dead in her tracks?

Amazon UK: goo.gl/xc4Dxd
Amazon: goo.gl/cnirgC
Kobo: goo.gl/XHd8dC
iBooks: goo.gl/16tMWo
Choc Lit: goo.gl/FYD8kF

Author Links:

Twitter: @lisahillie
Facebook: goo.gl/bcjhE1
Website: www.lisahillwriter.wordpress.com

Catch Up And Holiday Antics

I haven't forgotten that I need to continue with my holiday antics, but this week's been a bit odd, frankly. Very low then very high. And I now have my manuscript still in its jiffy envelope, arriving this morning, returned from the RNA NWS, and I'm too afraid to open it.

Could it continue my high, or send me back down into the lurky depths of a depressing, frustrated low?

As I have work later, and that's bad enough as it is, let alone feeling miserable about my writing, I'm going to save the envelope opening ceremony until this evening, when I can have a glass of wine to hand, to steady my nerves.

Don't worry, I'll let you know how I get on!

Day 4: Tuesday 28th May - We're Going On An Ice Cream Hunt

Ready to surf!

Lunch on the rocks.

The sun returned! Hurray! But it was still a bit chilly on the beach. We spent the morning feeding chickens, bouncing on bouncy castles (well, the boys did), and surfing. After lunch on the beach, Dad and I took the boys for a walk to The Rumps. Obviously, we grabbed an ice cream on the way. I had chocolate fudge - it looked so nice when Ben had it the other day.

To make it sound more adventurous than just a walk, as my six-year-old can complain after a while, I said we were going on a bear hunt. And that was it. The boys were off, always ahead of us and never really allowing us to catch up. Little voices singing, "We're going on a bear hunt, we're gonna catch a big one. What a beautiful day."

We're going on a bear hunt...

They let us catch up at The Rumps but were soon running off!

We were home in time for dinner and watched Spring Watch. I think the boys slept soundly that night. And so did I.

There Could Be Tears

Tears of joy or maybe just tears.

Today, when I wasn't soaking up the sun in my garden and listening to the Starling chicks tweet from their nest (they are getting louder, hence this must mean bigger), I managed to visit the Post Office to send off my manuscript, The Wedding Favour, to the RNA New Writers' Scheme. Eek!

Admittedly, it did receive positive feedback from publishers, (although no success stories otherwise I wouldn't be sending it to the RNA!) so I'm hoping I won't be crying over the comments too much. I know I should receive some constructive criticism (that maybe the publishers couldn't quite give me the time to feedback) to help me work on it, strengthen it, whatever. And something that might boost my confidence... please... to give me the push I need. But it is done, so there is no point in fretting. Now I need to concentrate on writing.

I know I can edit it for one publisher, although I fear they may no longer be interested in it - it's been nearly a year. But the thought of editing either The Wedding Favour or Perfect Isn't An Option just feels too tough in getting back into writing. I need to actually write, get the voices talking to me. At the moment I seem to be milling over things that are happening in my life, and the voices are quiet in the corner, worried I'm going to bite their heads off if they try to speak up. I'm not even hearing a whisper.

This is my plan to get back into writing! There's a short story competition that runs locally. My three local writery friends (June, Jacquie and Liz) and I went along last year to the awards evening, and it was really good fun. They had all entered and had been short-listed - which gave two a real boost to their writing confidence as they'd never won anything, and deservedly so. All the stories that are short-listed go into an anthology, but there is prize money for first, second and third, so it's worth entering. I also like this year's theme, too: Lost. I'm sure I can come up with something for that... my days of writing Quick Picks for Fanfic should help me. The hero may look a little bit like Sawyer, and the heroine could be a Kate lookalike but hey! Time to start brainstorming. Closing date is August 31st, 2013.

From now on, must walk around with a notepad in my hand at all times.

In the meantime, in between writing/brainstorming, I'll have to sit back and wait to hear from the RNA, and what my reader will think of my story. Good job I'm not a nail biter.

Blog Mode Engaged

I know, I know, I missed Shirtless Thursday! And I didn't even get around to fix it on Friday but here I am! It's Saturday. I feel exhausted from being up at 5.15am, and work hasn't been the best place in the world for me right now. Which then makes it even more exhausting.

So here I am... the long weekend ahead of me, and not much planned! Manuscript printed off, and in the envelope. Two synopsis' printed and in the envelope... until I realise as I go through the tick list they are supposed to be a one page synopsis. So that's this weekends job. Argh! However, I can't get to a Post Office before Tuesday now, so there is no point fretting about it.

I've been sat out in my (windy) garden with Dad, drinking coffee. He's done such a fantastic job, I'm not sure how I'll ever repay him. We've found starlings nesting in my roof too, so we get to listen to the chicks tweet every time mum or dad come to feed. And we've filled the bird table with food, so mum or dad don't have to work too hard either. If the weather stays I might do a car-boot tomorrow - what an exciting life I lead? - just because it would help rid some of the boxes in my garage AND raise some money towards my holiday with the boys.

Also, a friend has sent me over short story competition details with the theme 'Lost'. (I'm trying hard not to imagine Sawyer, Sayid, Desmond and Jack wrestling on a beach). I think this maybe the small project I need to get back into writing. Closes 31st August, so I have lots of time too.

Right, well this one page synopsis will not be written all by itself. Best go familiar myself with my novel (The Wedding Favour) again...

And I haven't forgotten... here's a treat for you! Shirtless Saturday?

How Quick Does A Week Go?

It feels faster than seven days, that's for sure!

I don't know if it's my house and garden taking up my time amongst the day to day routines of getting kids too/from school, and work, and the housework (I only do the bare minimal!), but here it is again, Thursday! Friday tomorrow - eek!

So, I have printed off my manuscript, The Wedding Favour, and it's Synopsis. I just need to fill in the forms and buy a jiffy envelope. (Forgot to do that this morning, dammit!). Then, I can send it off to the RNA New Writers' Scheme. Yay!

It will take some pressure off me trying to write and edit another novel by August, and the feedback I get back might be useful. Or will make me give up and throw in the towel! (No never! I'll write till I die!)

I have written a couple of short pieces which I do need to consider extending... or looking for a place to send. But at the moment, finding time for writing is proving really difficult.

However, my garden is coming along nicely, and if you've been following me on Facebook or Twitter you'll have seen the transformation. I will do a blog post shortly to show you it. But for now, it being Thursday, it means it's Shirtless Thursday...

Makes us wish summer would arrive and we can all hit the beach... if only it was filled with men looking like this!

I've Got A Plan!

With the house move and everything, I missed last months RNA chapter meeting, and so was very glad to meet up again last week. I have an hours drive to Lacock, but it's worth it! (I love that village as well as the people I meet - obviously!) The long journey does enable me to listen to music of my choice, which isn't always possible in the car with the kids.

With my quest to get my writing back on track, I went there to seek advice. I have two novels 'finished'. One more polished than the other, because it's been sent out to publishers. The other was sent to the RNA last year.

Lacock

Considering it is April tomorrow, I know I am going to find it hard to edit Perfect Isn't An Option and send it back to the RNA NWS for August, and I'm certainly not going to be able to write another novel and get it edited and sent off by August either.

Therefore, I thought, why don't I send the RNA NWS The Wedding Favour, and get some advice and direction on this novel. It didn't have much luck with the publishers I sent it to, but it did get some positive feedback. Maybe the RNA can give me some advice on it.

Well, my good writer friends also agreed that this is possibly the best scenario for me this year. This way I don't waste my RNA NWS subscription. If I send it now - as it is ready! - it will get a less rushed read through and feedback than if I wait till August.

So, that's what I'm going to do. I can still work on editing it for the publisher that showed an interest - if they will still interested almost a year on, I'm not so sure. But then it will give me some breathing space. I just can't see me getting back into writing by facing two major editing projects. Editing daunts me at the best of times. I believe it's because I lack confidence and experience more than anything. It doesn't feel so creative. I really need to get writing. And the best way is to physically write. What, I'm not so sure yet. I might just pick an idea that's floating around in my head and go with it. Be it short or long, I just want to get back into the habit of sitting at my PC and writing. I want the voices back, talking to me. I have more free time at the weekends now, so I need to stop wasting it.

So does that sound like a plan, or does that sound like a plan? And because I missed Shirtless Thursday... here's something Eastery,,,

Okay, so I lied... It's not Eastery at all - but it's very shirtless. 

In Search Of Writing Mojo

I've decided to put the editing on hold for yet another month, so that I can concentrate on NaNoWriMo, in the hope to finding my writing mojo.

Now, it's a toss up between writing another contemporary romance - I have an idea of an ex-fireman and an artist who are neighbours, and fight like cat and dog, until something pushes them together, and they realise the actual bickering is because they fancy the pants off one another. Or my vampire idea, where instead of being buried for a month to finish the 'making' process, she is buried for over 100 years and goes in search of her maker, and whether she will still find him alive. Or I have a fantasy idea, which is a sort of cross between Willow, Lord of The Rings, and How To Train A Dragon. Obviously, they will all contain some romance, but the genre and sub-plot will make them different to the contemporary romances that I (try to) write.

Another thing that is niggling away at me. I want to rejoin the RNA's new writers' scheme, and think what will be my next book that I send them next year? Or will I edit Perfect Isn't An Option and re-send that for another grilling. But I will want to send them something, otherwise it will be a waste of an opportunity in such a great scheme.

If I write a contemporary romance for NaNoWriMo, it will mean I've got a novel in process for submitting to the scheme... However, the point of doing NaNo is to have some fun, and to get back into the swing of writing, making time for it etc. So should I go with something that feels burning to be written?

I don't believe this is writer's block, this is me losing my mojo. My motivation has gone at the moment. There is just so much going on in my life, draining my thought process, some I would love to tell you all about, but can't really. (I've been accused of attention seeking by airing my life so publicly). My brain is just foggy. That's the only way I can describe it. And my heart feels tender and a little heavy. Everything is good writing fodder, and with my emotions up and down, I've tried to note some of it, in the hope I can use it for writing.

But I live for the day when my heroes are back in my head, talking to me good and proper. I miss those day-dreamy days. 

Another worry, which is a frustration more than anything, is that if I'm not writing then I'm going to take even longer at reaching my dream of being published. So I add this additional pressure to myself - don't I? *rolls eyes* I have Champagne in the fridge waiting! Maybe I'll open it upon entering new house and new life... and buy another bottle for my first signed writing contract.

The whole purpose of this blog post was to get me to do some writing. And I did.

I am off to my mum's for a few days tomorrow. I will be taking my new laptop and trying it out, meaning I won't be too cut off from the internet - if I can get the kids off it. I also need to get back into reading too. I read to Ben, but I'm not doing enough for me either. Gosh, 2012 is turning out to be a tough year for me. I'm going to try not to beat myself up about it too much.

My RNA Chapter 'Field Trip'

Shot from the back.

I promise I will get to my seven things post which is stuck in drafts, but after a wonderful afternoon at Ashdown House on Saturday, I felt it only fair that I share the experience here.

I meet my RNA Chapter group every four to six weeks. This time the group met at Ashdown House in Berkshire for a little field trip, and was given a tour by Nicola Cornick, one of our chapter members who also volunteers at the house.

Approaching the house.

Afterwards, we had tea (or coffee) and cake - kindly baked by Nicola's husband, Andrew - in her garden because the weather was brilliant. We were entertained - and chewed - by their trainee Labrador guide dog puppy, Rochester. We were so lucky with the weather - what a change Sunday morning!

If I was taking it all in, the house was built by William Craven for a queen he loved, Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia in 1662.

Unfortunately, you can not view the rooms, due to the tenancy agreement, so we only got to see the magnificent staircase which is a quarter of the house's floor space, and the roof. It was designed as a hunting lodge, but a house fit for a queen.

If you're a historical writer and need some inspiration, this is the house to visit. But check out the website. The house can only accommodate so many people, so it's not overly advertised.

All of the photos were taken by my phone, and they didn't come out half bad actually.

Because of the marvellous weather, up on the roof, the views were spectacular and we even were able to have a group photo... although I think a few members from our party are missing.

From left to right: Nicola Cornick, Sandra Jackson (Jane Lark), Jean Burnett, Alison Knight, Eileen Hathaway, Rachel Brimble, Jean Brushfield and Liz Fielding.

I had a wonderful day, and I get such great encouragement from this group. I'm so happy to be a part of it.

Another Draft Down...

This is a great feeling, one that almost makes me want to crack open that Champagne bottle.

A finished novel.

But not yet, I tell myself. I'm saving that damn bottle chilling in the fridge for when I get my first signed contract, or sell my first piece of writing. Anything from a short story or article to a novel. (It will more than likely be a novel as that's what I'm working on most though - I just hope Champagne doesn't go off, I could be waiting a while yet).

So yes, I'm elated! *whoop whoop* *does happy dance* Perfect Isn't An Option is finished, and printed, and waiting in a padded envelope for me to take to the Post Office early tomorrow morning. It will be winging its way by snail mail (not Owl Post) to the RNA New Writers' Scheme.

And the palaver* I've had getting this darn thing printed today! I tell you, it's a relief! (*See Facebook or Twitter)

But I know it's not finished finished. One, because I've already received some feedback through my writing group, and two, I know I will get some feedback from the RNA NWS which will mean another editing session.

It is also sitting around 68,000 words and that is not long enough for a contemporary romance. I need over 70,000 words for the publishers I want to approach. However, I believe the feedback I will receive will help in the increase of wordage. Liz, from my 'underground' writing group (as we jokily call it) has given me some good feedback which certainly would mean expanding the storyline a little. 

So can't quite crack the champagne open yet, but I will, however, have a celebratory glass of wine!

And now the exciting stuff, I get to start writing something new. I'm wondering to write my Vampire, but then I do have a fireman... hmmm...  Although, hang on a minute, there is that little novel called The Wedding Favour begging for some attention. Oh, yeah.

I'm off to my Mum's with the boys at the end of the week, and spending the last week of the summer holidays with her. I think, knowing how hard it is to concentrate on writing with the kids home, I'm going to take a two week break, use the time to hopefully catch up on some reading, and September, when the kids are back at school, start on my revise and resubmit to the publisher who contacted me in June. 

Does that sound like a plan, or does that sound like a plan?

I can still brainstorm my next story.... (I'm eager to write again), right, now where's that glass of wine?

(You know what this means - I've written two, yes TWO, novels now.) *squee*

celebratory "Magic Mike" picture - yum!

Holidays Start With A Crash

Yes, that would be my glass lamp broken. It was one of those vases, all mottled and cracked glass, with little LED lights in it. It looked so pretty. I'd bought it from Next ages ago.

So, technically first day of the summer holidays - first day of me having the boys all day as they'd been at their Nan's - and they've broken something of mine! Not theirs, MINE! And I'd asked them to play outside in the sunshine. The swear words I mumbled under my breath as I swept broken glass can not be repeated. The boys stayed out of my way for a while, too.

I love that the kids are home and we get to do fun stuff together, but I am fearing the lack of writing and running time.

I really want to get Perfect Isn't An Option finished by the end of July and sent off to the RNA NWS. But I might have to eat into August a little. And I don't think it's going to be 'polished'. It's going to be a case of chucking it all at the wall and see what sticks. I think. *worries*

I have got to send them something otherwise it's a waste! Just got to work out how I'm going to post the damn thing - it's around 250 pages! I've now fixed the solution of printing it - I bought a new whizzy, three in one printer. But it had to be done, my other printer started failing to feed paper through even though it had a wodge of it stuck in the back - it would never have coped with 250 pages!

And (I'm sure you realise this already) I am a worrier when it comes to my stories! What if I've forgotten to add this, or this needs tweaking? Admittedly, I want to send them the best I can, but it doesn't mean I still can't improve it later if I do run out of time. With modern technology, it's so easy to do. I don't know how these writers who still use notebooks do it actually. They must be very talented, because my first drafts always need a lot of editing.


Anyway, I hope the summer holidays start better tomorrow. We're off to Portishead's open air swimming pool. It is heated :D But Dad and I decided it would be too hot to cycle the Strawberry Line from Yatton to Winscombe, and Kieran might not make it - he got very tired last time. And to be honest, we're not sure how long this weather is going to last, so want to make the most of it.

Lots of swimming on the agenda this week!

One Novel Down

By Jove, I think I've only gone and done it!

Yes, I've finished editing The Wedding Favour! There is probably more work that could be done to it, but it could go on and on forever. And I've got to the point, it's polished, let's see if someone actually likes it - I'll be glad to see the back of it! If it is successful, I'm pretty sure an editor will want their say in some of the editing. I think I've taken it as far as I can basically.

Sort of Adam... I've found it harder to find a visual

So now?

Well, I'm going to let it rest for a couple of weeks, then put it onto my Kindle (very useful for writers are ereaders!) and give it one more read through. Just to make sure I've crossed all the T's and dotted the I's. Then I will start submitting. (I'm very nervous about this bit). I've listed and looked at some publishers that I think it fits. It's a contemporary romance. There are a couple of sex scenes, but the heat level is nowhere near erotica.

I know that it will get rejections, and I am fearing this. Maybe mainly, with everything else going on in my life, I really would like to achieve something with my writing, to know that I'm on the right path, I'm doing the right thing, and my future will seem a whole lot brighter. This might be that light at the end of the tunnel I really need to see.

Steve - Perfect Isn't An Option

In the mean time I will carry on writing Perfect Isn't An Option (which I'm rather excited about), targeting myself 1000 words a day. If I start 26th March latest (as I have my son's birthday coming up this weekend, I need to focus on that - plus it gives me time to read through what I've already written), then to add another 45-47,000 words to my so far 33,000 word total, should take me to beginning of May.  So watch the counter to the right, I'll be updating again with my word count as it increases!

This is the novel I want to send to the RNA NWS - so it will have to get polished up, in making sure it reads well by end of August. But I might go with the approach of "chucking it all at the wall, and seeing what sticks."

Gosh, I feel like I want to crack open the champagne just for finishing a novel. But I'm saving that bottle in the fridge for my first paid published piece. Will it be The Wedding Favour?

Sorry, I'm Neglecting You

Three weeks into my new dinner lady job, and slowly I'm finding a routine (and fitting coffees in with friends). It's making sure I don't give up on my running, which would so easily be the thing to do to make myself more time. But I look at it as the fitter I am, the longer I may live and therefore, the more writing time I'll have in the long term - hopefully.

I've had a couple of blog post ideas floating around my head, (conscious I've been slack on the blogging) and I've been writing them in my head (as you do), and really should have physically written the gist down. Because as usual, I haven't, and I'm sat here, now wondering what the hell I'd wanted to witter on about.

I must carry a notepad at all times! In fact, while on dinner lady duty, I have a notepad, so if the kids give me two seconds I should jot stuff down.

Anyone else failing with the notepad thing? It's one of those pieces of advice for writers that I try to adhere to, as I have lots of notebooks (but no organisation amongst them). Yet, I do fail to jot some things down, because I'm too busy with the housework or something to actually stop. Or I think, I'll remember this.

It's usually when it comes to blog posts. I am better when I think of things about my novel, stories etc. that I'm writing. I tend to use Onenote for those.

February is here already, and I want The Wedding Favour finished editing wise (almost there!), so I can crack on with writing Perfect Isn't An Option. Now I'm in the RNA's New Writer's Scheme I have to get this book finished! It's my main goal (as well as submitting The Wedding Favour - gosh there's a scary thought).

For my research, I will start reading my Rob Lowe autobiography very soon, but I'm currently reading Liz Fielding's Little Book of Writing Romance to review. So will finish that first. Plus I have my Harry Potter duties with my seven year old son, Ben. He's really into Harry Potter. I love that he comes to me and asks if I can read him another chapter. And it's great fun reading the books again. We're on the Prisoner of Azkaban which is my favourite!

So I will leave you with Bradley Cooper - my inspiration for Steve in Perfect Isn't An Option. And if that brilliant blog post returns in my head, to quote Arnie Schwarzenegger, "I'll be back."