Monday 1st January Day 163
Happy new year! I know it’s mid Jan in real time so I hope everyone has had a good start to 2024. ((Peachy has used the AI again for the except info. It’s not bad, I’m hoping AI takes over full control at some point so the blog makes more sense))
After having a few little drinks last night, we wake up feeling not too bad and after checking the weather, we decide to head out for a morning wander. This time we head towards Havre de Pas which has a lido. When we arrive there are some brave people in the sea! Rather them than me, it’s choppy and no doubt very cold but I’m impressed by their resolution to go in.
It’s a beautiful, bracing windy walk around the harbours and we then climb up the steps and back down into the bay. I’ve made my usual mistake of forgetting water but luckily a little place on the promenade was open. We then carried on our wander a little further along the sea wall before turning around and walking back.
We find a nice bench to sit down and rest our weary legs and then it’s time to put the shades on as the sun is directing a welcome warmth onto us. ((Don’t forget the daffs!)) Oh yeah, as we were walking down here, we saw a row of daffodils! In January, can you believe it? Normally in the UK we don’t see them until spring but apparently even some places in the UK have them now. It’s a changing world that is for sure and all the seasons are a bit squiffy.
When we get back to the apartment I knuckle down to some writing ((It’s about time this is supposed to be a research trip not a holiday!)) Well, actually Brackets every time I go out I’m looking at an area where a scene is set or plotting something for the book. ((You writing folk have an answer for everything!)) it’s true, we do. Last night was great talking to my friends, one of them has done the island walk 14 times so knows everything there is to know about it. I’m hoping on Wednesday he can spare some time to take me around the island in the car and point out some key areas. It’s the details I need such as the characters set off in the dark so at what point does the sun come up. All of that is detail which adds authenticity to the book for anyone reading it who has done the walk.
That’s the first day of 2024 done! x
Tuesday 2nd January Day 164
Today it’s up early as I’m meeting a friend at The Royal Yacht hotel which features in the Jersey book I’m writing ((OH no! I’m not having this. You’re meeting your mate because she’s getting you in with a free pass because she uses the gym there! Do not try and pretend this is anything to do with the book!)) Yes it is, Brackets. When you’re a writer everything you do is research. ((nope, not having it!))
I spent a very pleasant few hours swimming in the pool, using the saunas and relaxing with a book. I don’t know if I mentioned that I’ve trapped a nerve in my shoulder again? This happened before I left the boat and carrying a heavy rucksack didn’t help. So, this morning was well needed as well as the baths I’ve had at my friend’s apartment. If you don’t know ((where have you been??)) I live on a narrowboat and don’t have a bath so these have been heavenly with regards to getting the soothing heat on my shoulder.
In the afternoon I suffer a bit as I don’t think the swimming really helped my shoulder much but never mind, i loved the spa so it was worth the pain. ((Serves you right for lording it up at the spa!)) More painkillers consumed as I crack on with my book. My deadline is fast approaching but I’m happy with my progress. It will help once I’ve spent some time at the locations and the characters have settled with their stories! They keep messing me about! Day done. x
Wednesday 3rd January Day 165
I had a crap nights sleep as my shoulder was hurting a lot and I’m hoping it’s doesn’t go on for months as it did last time, which led to the funny turn I had in 2022, which ultimately led to selling the house and buying a boat! ((Don’t worry, Peachy is okay now. It only last another 4 or 5 days! You know how dramatic she is!))
Being in an apartment and hooked up to proper internet has made me realise how slow ours is. Here i can download/upload a vlog to Patreon and YouTube with the upload/download speed in 30 minutes! Whereas on the boat it would literally take me all day if we have a bad signal ((That’s boat life for you and living inside a steel tube!)) it certainly is, and just one example of having to apply patience to anything you do when living on a boat.
I’ve decided my book is absolute rubbish which would worry me if I hadn’t come to that conclusion on every book I’ve written. Experience really does help when you reach certain stages when writing a novel. I know very soon I will decide I actually like it and it works well. Just shows, this is my 14th book and I still have doubts. Maybe that helps to make the book better. ((Erm… probably not but you crack on anyway Peachy))
I put my book to one side and finish reading the brilliant Murder at the Book Festival by Jane Bettany. Which is the first book I’ve finished in my 2024 challenge to read 52 books this year, which will also include audio books and re-reads ((Ohhhh contentious!)) for those who aren’t involved in the reading/writing community, there has been debates on whether audio books count towards a goal because you’re not ‘reading’ which is stupid. Listening to a book still requires the commitment to the book, sometimes more, as you have focus when listening to an audio book as it’s easy to be distracted with other things. When reading, you’re generally just doing that. Same with re-reads, some say you cannot count them towards a target but my view is you can because you’ve still taken the time to read it.
I’m currently also re-listening to The Worldship Humility by R.R. Haywood who is one of my favourite authors at the minute. He writes fantastic characters as well as a great story. This is the first book in the series which I’m listening to again as I want to read the rest in the series and wanted to remind myself what happened. ((well we all know about your famous lack of memory!)) Day done. x
Thursday 4th January Day 166
My friend is taking us out for the island tour tomorrow so this morning I’ve spent the time writing and trying to get my characters to settle on their character arcs. I never knew it was so hard to make characters do what you want ((You are the author! Put your foot down!)) I try, but they don’t listen or through doing this research I keep coming up with different ideas. ((So, actually it’s more your fault then and you’re just trying to blame your characters!)) I still haven’t decided if I will change the ending!
After spending about five hours working on the book ((also having a power nap!!)) Don’t tell everyone my secrets! We decide to watch Wonka at the cinema as they have an offer on as there is no way we can afford the usual price. If anyone hasn’t seen it then I can highly recommend watching it, it’s a good blend of something new but a nod to the original film with Gene Wilder. Very good, I was surprised how much we enjoyed it.
It was back to the apartment to chill out. I really struggle to write in the evenings now. I used to be able to work until midnight but that’s a rarity nowadays. I find I’m too tired and end up re-writing if I try and I did do loads this morning so figure I’m allowed a night off. Day done. x
Friday 5th January Day 167
Today is the day and we are treated to a full Island tour with a friend who has managed the Island Walk ((48.1 miles we remind you)) 14 times I think he said! 14 times! So he is the one in the know. We spend the full day stopping at as many of the check points as possible and he explains which parts are the hardest and the mentality of the walker. Absolutely amazing and I’m so grateful to my friend for taking us. ((I think he deserves a mention in the book. Also you can blame it on him if you get any of it wrong!)) Don’t be mean Brackets… although that’s a good idea.
Nothing else to report today as we didn’t get back until about 4ish after leaving at 10am. I’ve written down a load of notes ready for my next writing session. I’ve put some pictures on Instagram if you want to have a look at the Island Tour around Jersey. At some point i will upload a vlog showing as much as our trip as possible. Day done. x
((P.S. for anyone following this for the narrowboat adventures… normal cruising life will resume soon as Peachy thrills us with exciting narrowboat DIY! Bet you cannot wait… ))
Saturday 6th January Day 168
It’s a nice day today so it’s a walk to St Aubins on the agenda, which takes us around the harbour and back with a stop for coffee and some homemade butties which help to keep the costs down! Some of the walk is on the promenade which follows the bay around but we decide to walk mostly on the beach. It’s approximately 8.5 miles and on the way back my knee decides it’s had enough ((Oh so not your hip or shoulder this time. It’s your knee – you’re fealling apart Peachy!)) it does feel like that sometimes. It’s like my tendons are tight at the back of my knee ((well you are for Yorkshire. Tight is in your DNA)) so I take it easy and still manage, hoping I haven’t done any damage as I’m really enjoying getting back into my walking.
One of my characters runs around this bay ((OH DEAR LORD do not trying running Peachy. Walking about breaks you, imagine what running would do!)) Rude! so it was good to get a few more notes filed in the brain ((You talk like you’re going to be able to access them later! They are gone Peachy, trust me!))
A friend was in the area as she’d taken her little girl swimming so we met for a coffee and a chat before I hobbled back to the apartment for a well deserved and needed bath. After a power nap ((Again!)) I crack on with a little bit more writing before chilling and binge watching some TV – before you say anything Brackets… ((Yes, I know. It’s research – insert rolled eyes people!)) Day done. x
Sunday 7th January Day 169
After spending the morning writing, we decide to head to Gorey on the bus to have a look at a few more places which feature in the book. Researching for a book is a strange affair because you can see something which you think will work really well but it won’t fit for some reason or you’re lucky enough to find a perfect spot for your characters to meet but then the characters are not having it or it doesn’t fit in to the story arc. It’s a tricky old business!
We headed to the bus stop and even though it’s Sunday there are plenty of buses which are all on time and everyone is really friendly. I know it’s a small island but still, the service is very good and it costs £2.25 for a single to Gorey which I would say took about 20-30 mins. You can get offers for day/weekly tickets etc but we have decided to get a car on Tuesday. The weather is turning colder and there are some points of the island which are easier to reach in the car as it’s just a case of me nipping out and getting the feel of the place, taking some pictures etc which will help. I might even take my laptop with me so I can jot it down in the scene. ((ohh, get you being like a proper writer!)) I know right. Although I’m ready to move to the next stage of the book now as I’m sick of rewriting this part ((Should have planned more Peachy. I keep telling you!))
Typically for me I left my gloves on the bus. I am absolutely terrible with gloves. What happens is I take them off and put them in my lap then I forget about them, stand up and then they are gone. I cannot tell you how many gloves I’ve lost. Even these ones I bought when I got to Jersey because I left mine on the boat. ((I despair Peachy. I really do!))
After a wander through a very quiet high street in Jersey where only the sports shops and some food shops were open we then went back to the apartment. I tweaked my knee the other day with that long walk ((So, how does that mean that you end up having a power nap??)) I took some painkillers which I’ve been having anyway for a trapped nerve in my shoulder ((If I had a head, I would shake it!)) anyway, painkillers always make me sleepy.
Nap done, I do some social media and share the new vlog and a subscriber to the channel who recognised me in Mercia Marina – do you remember? He bought us two coffees! So kind. I did check if they were both for me 😉. Sales seem to be going well for my New Zealand book, I suppose with people are thinking of booking a big adventure for the new year.
Right, that’s another week done. The usual links are below. Thanks for reading 😊 x
((Tune in next week for thrilling updates on ‘does Peachy get her gloves back’ and ‘will she finally finish the book.’))
Links below and a big thank you to everyone who is supporting this journey through Patreon, buying books or buying me a coffee. It is really appreciated and I won’t forget you when I’m a best selling author…
YouTube Channel – Watch our narrowboat adventures here
Patreon account – get early access to vlogs and you find out our plans first!
Saga Fiction App. – read some of my short stories and novels
Powertheauthor – Buy me a coffee here – saving up to upgrade my website so i can have a virtual bookshop! Until then you can buy from Amazon…
Amazonlink – Fantasy, travelogues, thrillers, romance and more…
Murder at the Book Festival by Jane Bettany
C.L. Peache 