We're Not Going Back...

Picture the scene: It was the 20th October 2022. I was on the last day of an East Lothian mini-break. The plan was to have lunch, then get the train into Edinburgh for one last hurrah. Fate, however, had other plans. One pinging BBC News alert later, and everything changed. Liz Truss was set to resign! I got a cup of tea, put the telly on, and for the rest of the day, let Sky News do its work.

The only photo I 
took on 20.10.22. 
It was 8.05am and 
this is the view from 
the front door. I didn't 
even leave the Airbnb.

The moral of the story? I mean, it SHOULD be, 'Don't waste time on political nonsense when you're on holiday.' That's the clear message to take. How about 'Don't sacrifice a day in beautiful Edinburgh while you wait for a political nomark to be handed an arsekicking?' Yeah, yeah, all that's valid. But if the situation happened again? Yeah, sorry but I'd do the same. I buzzed off the disintegration of the Truss government and the fact her nonsense was over. I can't imagine walking away if events repeated themselves. Edinburgh or no Edinburgh, it's just the way I roll.

So why bring this up now? Well, a similar situation is about to occur. In a few short months, I'll be enjoying a European city break at the exact same time as the Tory leadership contest results are announced. Will I be giving up a day of sightseeing and cultural entertainments to watch that? NO. OBVIOUSLY NOT. I'm not deranged! But as well as that, in the same week, it's the US election. Will I give up a day of sightseeing and cultural entertainments to watch that? YES YES YES. A million times YES. I plan to sit in my hotel, pull an all-nighter, and watch my absolute Queen, Kamala Harris, beat the horror show of a man that supports relegating women to second class citizens under the law. I want to watch her hand Project 2025 back to its cheerleaders, with a resounding rejection of its hatred. I want to see the US choose, not just sanity, but inspirational leadership and a future brimming with positivity. And then of course, I want to witness the multiple shattered glass ceilings; of electing a president who is the first Black, South Asian, woman. Can you imagine how historic a moment that will be? Bring. It. On. The Tory leadership contest, and my silly little holiday, will pale into insignificance compared to all that.

Writing News

Last week I worked on the twelve chapter plans I need to create the narrative of Book Five. It's all ticking along. My main issue this week is, I need to find the overall theme of the story. The first book was about Leeza accepting that change is a natural part of life. The second book was about Leeza realising she doesn't need to be uber-talented, or a clever clogs at school - simply being kind is enough. The third book? I'm not sure yet. But once I know that, the chapter plans will flow more easily.

Culture

I've been filling my downtime on YouTube, watching Kamala Harris speeches and interviews. You want goosebumps? Try this. In semi-related news, my brother-in-law put me onto The Rest is History podcast. It's accompanied me on my daily walks for the last few months. No matter what period of history you might be into, they've got it covered. I recently listened to an in-depth breakdown of the JFK assassination, and this week started an episode on the shooting of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Fascinating stuff all.

Wet hair, don't care. 
Cherry coke vodka slush.

Food and Drink

I had friends round on Friday so panicked and cooked a load of pizzas and put out a cheese board. None of them are lactose intolerant AFAIK so it all worked out. Still, it wasn't anything new. I'm well-used to pizzas and cheeseboards. Nothing innovative there. But something new and exciting I found last week (Via Insta) is this...  

• Make a tray of cherry coke ice cubes.
• Whizz them up with a handful of frozen cherries.
• Add a shot of vodka. 

It is the most beautiful, refreshing, summery, adult Slush Puppy you could ever imagine. It's also hugely adaptable. Frozen Fanta, tangerine segments and gin? Frozen Seven-Up, lime flesh, and lager? The possibilities are endless.

Out and About

I went to the pub last week. The plan was to walk there and back, with a few gentle afternoon beers in-between. The reality was a hot and sticky walk there, some speedily-drunk, cooling-down-on-a-hot-day beers once I arrived, and because the heavens opened and torrential rain ensued mid-sesh, a taxi back. Still, I went to the pub. Win.

Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, whoever you're doing it with, please do enjoy the July/August transition. 

Have a lovely week, folks 

Ready, Steady, Go...

And we're back!. After six weeks of downtime, I'm back at my desk, surrounded by notebooks, and raring to write Book 5. 

I'll get to the specifics in the next section, don't you worry about that. But first, let's gather ourselves. This is a new start... literally a fresh page. My month-and-a-bit off, has done wonders for my brain. I've not thought about characters, plots, or ways to phrase what I mean, for ages. My head has been properly emptied. Hurrah.

Except of course that's not true. I've simply filled it with other stuff. I got to obsess over General Election data and stay up all night to cross off constituencies as they were announced. I added several more weekly podcasts to my listening schedule. (Hello Quiet Riot for one). I continue to devour the minutiae of US politics, and I also read some books that have long been on my TBR list. My head got filled with all sorts of other stuff; I was just able to give it my full attention. 

Now it stops. It's back to the grindstone and that's probably a good thing. You can only tit around for so long before you have to get some structure back. Last week, I was at my desk by 9.30am each day. I cracked on, pausing only for teas and lunch, and then finished around 3.30pm. There's no way I'll keep this up every day but for now, we're off!

This is where the
 magic happens

Writing News

So, what have I been doing at my desk every day? Well, it's the planning and research phase. If you want to revisit my Writing Cycle breakdown, click here. Right now I'm at the second stage, aka Plan Your Ass Off. That's right, that's what I've been doing all week - planning my ass off. You may remember some months ago, I shared that I'd had some ideas for the next book, and had spent a day writing them on cards and sticking them to a board? Yeah? No? Maybe? Well that board is still here, and those ideas are still useful. What I did last week, was break them down into chronological bullet points. I grouped them into chapters (at the time of writing I'm up to Chapter Six) and made sure there's enough plot to sustain a whole chapter. I also worked out small but important details. The names of new characters for example. On Thursday, into the search bar, I typed, Female Names UK 1935. I then spent time working through the list, trying to find the perfect one for the character of a great-aunt. In the end I got it. It wasn't even on the list, but the list inspired me. From the chosen name, I also fleshed out some more details about the great-aunt. All from finding out her name. Planning and research: it takes time but it's so much fun!

Lesley Knope from
Parks and Rec

Culture

I think as an antidote to the horrors of the RNC coverage and the prospect of Project 2025, (let's go President Harris!) I began a rewatch of Park and Recreation. Lesley Knope and her local government colleagues are pure light relief. I'd been searching for something with multiple short episodes to keep me going after The Office rewatch finished. This is filling that space, admirably. 

Mmmm

Food and Drink

Since my Oslo trip, I've been eating lots of open sandwiches and prawns. Tbf, this isn't a million miles away from what I'd eat without going to Norway. The only thing I'm missing is really good rye bread. All the supermarkets have left me hanging so I'll have to find a proper bakery. No matter, basic granary did the job for the sandwich in the picture. Egg, anchovies, mayo, and paprika, with chopped rocket, and pickled cucumbers with radish. I also ate lots of Smash in Oslo. Nope, not the instant potato, but the chocolate covered salty corn snack. It's fit, and never gets sickly. One bag will last mere seconds. If you want to try for yourself, you can get it here.

Crosby, 7am
Monday morning

Out and About

The early morning walking habit has resumed. And oooh, isn't it nicer with milder weather. I've got up and walked in all sorts of rain, fog, and wind until now. Bright mornings with blue skies have been glorious. And even when the day becomes sweaty and hot, it's never the case first thing. This week I've done Crosby beach, Sefton Park, and Victoria Park. Good times.

Because of the end of my holiday and a new writing start, it feels like the first week of September. Hopefully I'll get another new-start-boost in a couple of months when the schools go back. For now, let's crack on with our routines and keep going, with the satisfaction of knowing we're doing our best.

Have a lovely week, folks

Norwegian Vibes...

It's Long Ramble time! Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome! Ready for some sweeping generalisations and vibes-based opinions masquerading as 'Insightful and Brilliant Observations on Life'? Goodo. Off we go.

Scandi prawns

If you're a long-time reader of this blog, you'll have heard me mention how I'm a big fan of all things Scandinavian. The climate, the lifestyle, the food... it's my absolute bag. I nick the bits I can, and add them to my life wherever possible, fully aware I'm culturally-appropriating and over-simplifying a huge geographical region all at once. Anyway, all of this is particularly pertinent today. I've just returned from five days in Oslo. This is the second time I've spent some time there. My last visit was nineteen years ago. Even though the city has added some new tourist attractions, and I'm older and less boozy than I was back then, I've come home with exactly the same feeling as I did in 2005. That feeling? It's this: When I'm in Oslo, I'm totally relaxed and deeply happy with the world. No wonder I want to copy as much of it as I can.

Happy me

Look, it's a no-brainer really. I'm on holiday. Of course I'm going to be chilled out and mellow. With no writing schedule, no exercise regime, and no run of the mill Merseyside routine, it's no wonder I'd be living my best life. Surely that's the reason I'm happier in Oslo, yes? Except no. My routine is certainly run of the mill at times, but I enjoy it. I quite like my daily UK walks; in fact, they make me feel properly good. Endorphins and all that. And as for the writing schedule, well aren't I the lucky one that gets to do that every day? Besides, I never feel like this in other places. Not to the same extent. Nope, it's more than the buzz of a holiday. 

And relaaaaaaaaaaaax

So is it something about Oslo itself? Well the city's on a waterfront. That's always a personal favourite. There are lovely bars and restaurants, the weather has been bright and mostly dry both times I've visited, and there are excellent museums and tourist activities. Is that why I feel so content? Hmmm, not sure. Pick a clement day and the same can be said about Liverpool. I love Liverpool. It's my home city and I'm in and around it most of my days. Yet the bone-deep peace I feel when I'm in Oslo is sadly not replicated in my usual life. It's got to be something else. 

View from
the city bus

The possible answer began to dawn on me while I was listening to the audio commentary of the Hop On Hop Off bus. (Rock and roll, baby!) According to the voice in my ear, Norwegian teachers are not encouraged to use grades to assess attainment. They believe it's important to let children develop at their own pace without the pressure of a standardised level. (I've paraphrased, but that's the gist.) Even though this information was given out as filler on the drive from one landmark to the next, my ears pricked up. How marvellously sane and nurturing. With absolutely no other information about the topic, I immediately warmed to the Norwegian education system. 

The Royal Palace at 8am
Later in the day, people
mill around the driveway.

The answer continued to dawn. Later, I was walking back to my hotel past the Royal Palace. Unbelievably, it's at the top of the main shopping street. Can you imagine? The palace, with it's gravelly driveway leading to the front door, is accessible from anyone wandering back from the shops. My burgeoning republicanism can really get behind a monarchy that dials down the pomp. The grounds in which the palace sits, are open and free to the general public. I walked through the parkland several times a day in order to come and go. No high fences and no teams of armed guards. Just an open space for the people to enjoy. Monarchies tend to exist within huge inequalities and entitlement, but this one didn't give off that vibe. 

And another thing. Rather serendipitously while I was pondering these thoughts, Ian Dunt wrote a piece about Labour's planned prison reforms. After twenty-one paragraphs (they're short, you should defo click and read) there was a description of the Norwegian prison system. 

'Norway's prisons are humane. Cells have a private bathroom, flatscreen televisions, and good views over pleasant scenery. They are designed to be conducive to rehabilitation, rather than humilating and dehumanising. The idea is that prisoners are punished by the removal of liberty, not the removal of dignity.'

 

More happy me

I've not much experience with prisons, in the UK or elsewhere, but it all adds up to the same thing. It seems like Norwegian people are valued by society. The quality of their lives is considered important. Whether that's as young people in education, those in prison who will be expected to keep to the law once released, or members of society having the freedom to enjoy the beautiful grounds of royal residences. It's no surprise that Noway is often in the top ten of the happiest countries index. When people are valued, of course they'll feel happier than if they are treated badly. That sense of communal happiness will obviously rub off onto visitors like me. It all makes sense. 

Like I said at the top, I'm full of sweeping generalisations here. I haven't exactly scratched beyond the superficial. I haven't got into Norwegian party politics, nor the tensions between the government and the indigenous Sámi people. And less importantly, at approximately £10.50 a pint, it's quite expensive to go on the lash. Look, nowhere can get everything right for everyone. It'd be naive of me to assume because most people seem happy at first glance, then every single thing is perfect behind closed doors. I've spent approximately ten days over nineteen years, in one city of the country. My vibes-based response it hardly rigorous scientific inquiry. But hey, that's not what this blog is about. Vibes and gut instincts dominate! I feel what I feel! Sorry, not sorry!

Vigeland Park - a huge,
 free sculpture park in Oslo

So now I'm back home and already my sense of inner-ease has faded. (To be fair, that's down to catching up on the political news in the US.) But it's not all bad. Not in the UK, at least. We're still in the earliest days of a brand new government. I don't expect perfection but it has to be better than its predecessor. The opportunity to reduce some of the inequalities in society is more likely to be seized now, than it was two weeks ago. The opportunity to ensure more people feel valued is here for the taking. And yes, it'll take time, and the inheritance from the previous government is grim. There's no quick fix. But maybe one day, the UK might give Norway and the rest of Scandinavia a run for its happiness money. And you never know, my inner-peace and contentment might pop back to visit now and then. We can only hope. 

Until then, tusen takk Norge! Once again, you have soothed my weary soul.

Have a lovely week, folks.

Bleary-Eyed Frivolity...

Hard relate

Morning! I'm still bleary-eyed from Thursday's all-nighter, how about you? Can you imagine travelling the country for a six-week campaign, staying awake til the results come in, meeting the King, and then having to appoint people for Very Important Jobs. Running on fumes doesn't do it justice. Let's hope Keir and the gang have managed to get some kip since the election. I, you won't be surprised to hear, have done none of those things. I've not run a campaign, got elected, nor been asked to form a government by the King, but I'm still knackered. Political life is not for me! However, none of that is news. What is news is I'm almost done with my extended break, post-Leeza McAuliffe. I've got one more week of frivolity before the planner kicks in and Book Five/Leeza McAuliffe Three start to brew. It might not be coming back from a massive defeat in 2019 to win a landslide victory but it's a long-term project nonetheless. 

5am-ish on Friday morning.
With a mental break from 
writing, I could fill my head
with election data willy nilly.

Writing News

You heard me. I've got one more week of frivolity. I've got the mental space to read articles, finish the book I'm reading, and devour a final boxset. I've got one more week of having conversations with people where I'm not constantly distracted by what Leeza would do. I can focus on a task without finding myself thinking about Applemere Bridge or Jake, Cait, and Tom. I'm going to relish every last moment. And then, from next Monday, I'll be absorbed once more. That's when there'll be some actual writing news to share.

Always worth a re-watch

Culture

I've just rewatched Beverly Hills Cop in advance of the new version that's dropped on Netflix. All marvellous fun. Other than that, I've been hammering the podcasts. Oh God What Now? - the political pod that rose from the anti-Brexit movement in 2017 - live-streamed their election night show with a live audience. Sharing the exit poll announcement with a group of people I've been listening to for years, was really rather sweet. Then it was Channel Four for the rest of the night. Krishnan will always be my fave.

Food and Drink

I treated election night like the TV event of the year. Not one for taking a projected positive result for granted, I thought if there was a chance I was going to experience a night of disappointment, I'd be needing lovely food. Happily, I was pleased with both the result and the sustenance I eventually chose. Small and bitesized but tasty and plentiful was the answer. I found a recipe for samosas and watched a Youtube video on how to fold the pastry. That's all it took. Come Thursday evening, I'd prepped approximately thirty of the things. For the inevitably-necessary sugar boost, I dipped some strawberries and pretzels into dark chocolate. All delish and a happy accompaniment to an historic evening.

Out and About

It's the calm before the storm. Next week I'll be Somewhere Else. More of that next time. This week I've been getting on top of my laundry, devouring excessive political content, and planning for fun times next week. More In and Around than Out and About. It all makes up the rich tapestry of life, yes? You betcha! 

Have a lovely week, folks.

Be Gone, Inner Critic...

Dream feedback

Every fortnight I attend a writer's group. I have done since 2017, and whilst it's changed in personnel and has less of an official vibe than the original group, it's a really useful thing to do. Because when I'm in my writing bubble, beavering away at the first draft (or even the 25th draft) it's really handy to have a bunch of people listen to me read it out. They can spot issues, they can raise queries, they can point out shite before it's locked in forever. I started to read the latest Leeza McAuliffe book to them in March 2022. Each fortnight since then, I've turned up with the next 1500ish words, and shared it with them. Fast forward to last Wednesday, and in a city centre boozer with some writer friends, I read the final extract. Phew! 

What a longwinded way to read a book. No seriously, it doesn't help with flow one bit. But still. All that time reading it aloud, reminded me that creating a book from scratch is an absolute beast of a challenge. Whenever I'm doubting myself or worrying that I've no idea what I'm going to write next - have you met my inner critic? - I've proved myself wrong every time. Yay. So what next? The next book's brewing period is nearly over. In a couple of weeks I'll be leaning heavily on all the free time, empty-headedness, and cultural influences I've soaked up since the last publication day. I'm hoping they've been swirling around inside me, germinating into ideas, and ready to be spewed out into a planning notebook. After that, I'll be trying to wrangle them into sentences, paragraphs, and chapters. That sounds impossible right now, but you know what? I'm going to let my new mantra take over... I've done it before so I can do it again. I've done it before so I can do it again. I've done it before so I can do it... you get the drift.

This is a screenshot
but on Insta the four
covers moved around 
and ev. Woohoo!

Writing News

Sod's Law, innit. Just when my book's social media campaign has ended, I've learnt how to add Amazon links to Insta stories. I've also learned how to make cool reels that are way better than anything I was doing when I was promoting Leeza McAuliffe. Just my luck. It was the other night, you see. I was scrolling in bed, natch, and an account was suggested to me. Why it wasn't suggested three months ago when I was struggling to come up with new ways of saying, 'Buy Me!' I don't know, but this is where we are. Anyway, the algorithm gods pushed embrace_socials at me, and oomph. My Insta game has been ramped up to a gazillion. If you're like me and winging it madly, you could do worse than give it a look. I've also been put onto CapCut from a mate, so I'm planning on invigorating my TikTok output too. Isn't modern life a lark.

Early days
for North Wales

Culture

I'm currently reading The Last Boyfriends Rules For Revenge which is both fun and inspiring all at once. Some LGBT+ teens take on their school's rolling back of rights whilst also getting back at their exes. Like I said, fun and inspiring. I'm also back on the jigsaws This time it's an illustrated map of North Wales. Whilst being easier than an A-Z, it's still tricky when you take into account I only know the Welsh coastline. Travel inland but one mile and I've no idea. That's keeping me busy. I've just finished Bodkin on Netflix - an Irish and darker (loose) take on Only Murders in the Building. They're both about true crime podcasts basically. Oh, and I've started Douglas is Cancelled on ITV. So far, so excellent.

Mmmmmmmmmmmm

Food and Drink

When I was in London, I had a smoked salmon bagel from Oak and Smoke in Borough Market. It was PERFECTION. You know that thing when you can't stop thinking about something you've eaten and how you want to eat it again as soon as possible but you're no longer near the place that sold the thing? Well, THAT. Once I was home I got obsessed. I found the smoked fish place on Insta (smokiesinlondon) and searched through their photos. I found a picture of their smoked salmon filling listed with the ingredients, so I added them to my weekly shop. (Smoked salmon, cream cheese, horseradish, lemon juice, dill, seasoning, FYI.) Then I searched for the closest place that sells freshly bagels. Imagine the absolute joy of finding The Bagelry near to where I get my nails done. I'm always there! I now had all the means to create my own bagel. The photo I've added can't possibly convey how soft and chewy the bagel was or how delicately flavoured the salmon tasted. You'll just have to take my word for it. Either way, it's a huge win. I've been able to let my personality do it's obsessive thing, make my taste buds very happy, and harm no one else in the process.

Out and About

There was a family visit to my Sheffield auntie, a catch up with my Wednesday friends, and I raided Superdrug for some pamper night basics (Pamper night basics being moisturising gloves, moisturising socks, and a moisturising face mask. Clearly my inner critic considers me a dried up husk of a woman, in dire need of some moisture.) 

I've got a busy week coming up. Lots of little jobs and admin before my holiday, as well as a Thursday all-nighter. Will I make it past 1am? Will I take a shot of booze every time a particularly horrific MP loses their seat? Will I ever work out what canapés and finger foods are appropriate for an election night? Honestly, I've been mulling over this one for days. Join me next week, same time, same place for all the closure you'll ever need. 

Have a lovely week, folks.