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.