Coming home, a new job and 2019 plans!

In the words of Sam Gamgee, ‘Well, I’m back”

((Oh no, I was enjoying the peace and quiet and suddenly it’s all been shattered. I suppose welcome back is in order and now you’re going to make our eyes bleed reading all about your amazing travels while we have been left behind))

Now, don’t sulk brackets, I’ve actually missed you.

((I think you need to see a doctor – you know I’m not real, don’t you – just a figment of your weird imagination – although I do represent the intelligent and funny side – I guess people need to see that side of you somehow))

Now that brackets and I have caught up. Hello everyone, thanks to those that have stayed subscribed to my blog and ((blows raspberry)) sorry to any that have left, and welcome to the new followers. If you haven’t read the blurb at the front – my blog is about my writing journey. It’s the first anniversary of my blog, and just over a year since I started writing with a goal in mind. I cannot believe how fast this year has gone!

I’ve always been an avid reader, but it wasn’t until the 31^st March 2018 that I decided to see if I could write a book. I’d thought about it in the past, but a novel seemed a daunting task! Now I have two thrillers written, I’ve self-published a Novella and a short story and started countless stories. So, anyone out there thinking about it – go for it. I’m knocking on the door of middle age so it’s never too late to start.

So, to the holiday ((I wondered when this would start)) well, firstly it was more than a holiday, it was a life experience which I will never forget. I won’t bore you ((there is mercy in the world)) because I’m planning to self-publish a book on my travels ((spoke too soon – sorry folks)) when I was looking for books on travelling I couldn’t find many out there that were not just travel guides. Don’t get me wrong travel guides are fabulous, but I like to read about the adventures of normal travellers, where they go, what they get up to, what works and what doesn’t. I started tracking our journey from day one and so glad I did.

I’ve never had a holiday longer than two weeks, and to be honest, the first days became a distant memory ((it’s your age)) so I’m so glad that I wrote everything down. I tried to make time at the end of every day to write down my thoughts as well as some top tips to make life easier. Things we’d wished we had known before we came away. For anyone thinking of travelling to Singapore, New Zealand or Sydney they will just make your holiday that little bit easier – well that’s the plan. Fingers crossed I’m going to publish it late summer depending on time and editing etc.

My time is about to become very limited due to having to go back to work ((I’m laughing right now)) but, it’s all part of life. Experiences make your writing better, keep the ideas flowing and the content relevant, so never pass up any opportunity in life. You will never know when it will come in handy for a story! Last year I started writing a young adult fantasy story which involved glow worms; in New Zealand, we visited some caves – wow, this totally changed my idea for the chapter, and I cannot wait to re-create it now I have this experience to draw on. I visited Hobbiton – OMG amazing, and had a helicopter ride over some mountains, saw dolphins jumping behind a boat and experienced the most breath-taking views. Mother Nature really did show off when she created New Zealand. Sydney and Singapore were also amazing.

Interesting, as I’m writing about mother nature creating the earth, I have two people sitting near me that are talking about the creation of the earth by God. I’m writing this while on the train – these are also great places to get material for your stories – although I’m sure most of you already do this. 

Anyway, that’s it from me this week ((hurrah – my brain aches already)). Short and sweet to get me into the groove, and engage my brain. I’ve missed chatting with you on my blog, and if you’re new, feel free to say hello. I like to share ideas and happy to help anyone if I can. Don’t be shy 😊 Let me know what you’ve been up to while I’ve been away.

I want to attend some more writing events, workshops and festivals this year – time and money permitting. I would also love to go to a writing retreat, but that might be more affordable for me next year. If you have been to any you could recommend let me know. I volunteer with the Newark Book Festival which is from the 12-14^th July this year – if anyone would like to help at the festival send me a message.

Have a great weekend everyone. Keep writing. I will go back to blogging every fortnight. ((we’re so lucky people – if I had eyes I would roll them!))😊 

Breaking news: I’ve been for a second interview today (Tuesday) and talked myself into a full-time temporary job! This will be a test of how I can fit my writing into a ‘normal’ working life. I know people do this all the time, but I’ve been lucky enough to have the luxury of time for quite a while. Any tips gratefully received 😊

P.S. the pictue is