A Frenzy of Fun...

It's full steam ahead. Choo Choo! (or something)

Not to pre-empt the Writing News section below, but it's fair to say that the last two years of quietly constant creation are about to reach fruition. What does that mean? It means I know what my book will look like, and when and where it'll be available. Hurrah!

Obviously, until I've received the final proof and checked every little thing, I'll be keeping my counsel on the details. Just be assured that the past couple of weeks have seen me all of a tizz as I wade through the final stages of admin. More when we have it. 

Dealing with the
annoying parts

Writing News

That's the exciting bit. Annoyingly, there are plenty of less enjoyable aspects - like how expensive the creating and printing of a book is, compared to my last one. That's been a crappy pill to swallow. Or that no matter how many times I sign off on the final draft, there's still the tiniest imperfection - a spacing error or missed apostrophe - that glares up at me during the next check. I need this book to be over soon before it actually drives me mad.

Culture

Amid the bookish stress, there's been plenty moments of light relief. Last One Laughing on Prime has been exactly what I've needed to distract myself. Likewise, with a completely different vibe, The Other Bennet Sister on BBC1, has been a joy. I'm still working my way through the book of All the President's Men - it's a tome - and look forward to something lighter and fluffier next. 

A lovely, yet
demented, 
birthday tea

Food and Drink

So much cake! For my birthday, I had a Basque cheese cake. For my partner's, a Guinness and chocolate. The remains of which are both still in the fridge and are offered to anyone who comes near the vicinity. You'll be pleased to know, for closure if nothing else, that my crisps, sour cream, and caviar birthday tea was utterly lovely. The only problem was that it was eaten after a fairly boozy afternoon in the pub. When I woke up the next morning, I was hungover AND starving. Still, who cares! It's one day a year. Here's to the next!

Opening presents in bed.
This gem was from
my brother.

Out and About

The past week has been particularly crazy. Celebrating both household birthdays has meant multiple meals out. Late nights and fuzzy heads have been standard. Happily, this week, I can retreat a little. I can finalise the book details, I can get a few more hours sleep, and I can be back here next Monday refreshed and raring to go. Yes? Excellent stuff. 

Have a lovely week, folks.