Alfie, my rescue cat, woke me at 3 am requesting water from the bath tap, so I dragged myself from my warm bed to fulfil my human duty. However, once I returned to bed, I couldn’t get back to sleep for ages, and it was during this time it occurred to me I’d forgotten about my blog!

Much has happened since my last post; some good, and some a bit meh, but that’s life and we must roll with it. Writing wise, I have started two novels, and I’ve returned to my bad habit of flitting between whichever piques my interest at the time. I’ve written 52,000 words for one and around 25,000 words for the other. However, whilst on holiday, an idea for a third novel came to mind, and the voice of the female protagonist was so strong I started jotting down her thoughts and her characteristics. Needless to say, I had to purchase yet another box file to keep all the notecards and notebooks in. Like all writers, I already had a plethora of notebooks at my disposal. I need to book a call with a coach at The Novelry, but I want to be fixed on one novel before I do.

Reading wise, I’m on book 34 of the year, which may not be many for some readers, but I’m not a fast reader. Since becoming a writer, I’ve found I can’t resist studying the craft of the author I am reading, which can sometimes be distracting. My TBR pile is huge, but it hasn’t stopped me from purchasing more books, especially when I see signed copies by my favourite authors. I follow many book bloggers on Instagram and Twitter (I know the name has changed, but…) who review such fabulous books, and my willpower is weak, so I only have myself to blame for acquiring a library of books which may take me years to read. I am a mood reader, so I like a wide range of genres to choose from – that’s my excuse, and I’m sticking to it!

I have entered two writing competitions, but I know one competition receives over 500 entries, so I’m not holding my breath. As I’ve had books traditionally published, I am excluded from many writing competitions, so it was a joy to find two I could enter.

I am still an avid feeder of the hedgehogs who visit or live in the garden, as well as the numerous species of birds who flock to the bird table and feeders. I find nature good for the soul and mental wellbeing.

I hope you are keeping well, reading plenty, and enjoying life as much as possible.

Happy Word Flow One & All