Accepted submission, murder mystery and a Christmas holiday

Morning folks, today is the first day of my Christmas holidays – I have a fortnight to enjoy the Christmas spirit, wine and chocolate. My writing plans are to complete the proof read of ‘Her’ by 31^st December – so it’ll be early starts and late finishes but hey.

My week began with a flying start, last Sunday night when I receive confirmation that the short story ‘Caught in the act’ submitted to Be: magazine has been selected for publication in their second issue. It also means that I can tick number 20, to get a short story published, off my April Fool 40^th List. If you follow me on Twitter, you’ll have heard such details immediately, and thank you for the numerous ‘congratulations’ received. I emailed both writers’ groups - as it helps to encourage other members to submit entries. I shall let you know publication dates as soon as I’m informed.

Monday, I had to write the bio blurb and organise a photograph to accompany the accepted short story ‘Caught in the act’. Boy, it is difficult having to think what I wish to include without it sounding all wordy and boastful. I did make a conscious decision to focus my blurb on my prose work. I could have included or named other projects but I wish to focus the attention on what my aim is, rather than the ‘side line’ projects which may come in useful at a later date.

Tuesday, I dragged my sorry ass to my university tutorial and sat astounded by the other students’ remarks relating to poetry. I was even a little taken back by my lecturer’s attitude – it was very obvious he doesn’t enjoy teaching this module. Which got me thinking, again, regards how I teach poetry at school – I certainly do a much better job than was displayed at uni. Shameful.

Wednesday, as a treat, I read aloud to my year 7 class a short story I’d written especially for them. They were delighted that I’d managed to include all 28 names as the characters in the Christmas murder mystery. I received positive feedback and a wave of astonished gasps that ‘yes, I had written it.’ Though, the school’s staff now think that I have an murderous obsession with pizza cutters – but hey, it’ll pass.

I spent the evening booking exciting trips for 2012, as I had received my new diary. It simply had to be done. So, within three hours I had flights booked for Edinburgh, Dublin, tickets for Swan Lake ballet and of, course, a Jubilee Celebration in June. Hee hee, it means I’ll be seeing the pandas so can tick off number 21 on my April Fool 40^th List. 

Thursday, saw my nimble fingers quickly change the character’s names in the above mentioned Christmas murder mystery story to fit my year 8 class. Again, I received rave reviews – see, I can recycle to save the ice caps. Though, I did fess up and tell them I’d written it for the other group as a reward for their superb behaviour – something tells me my year 8 class may well try a little harder next term. In fact, the children’s reaction has been so wonderful that I may well use my shoe poetry in lesson when I return in January with year 9.

Thursday, also saw me attend a community Christmas party, dressed in a Santa suit, – where a bingo session was the main attraction. Oh the reaction and rivalry about winning was immense – a short story began to form.

Friday, saw all the celebration s of a fabulous school term come to an end. I’ve never received so many kisses and hugs from my colleagues - most enjoyable. The evening was spent chilling with hubby and step-daughter recuperating and planning the next fourteen days. Oh, you know what I’m like regards lists and plans – it all has to be meticulous and thought through so that I can then simply follow and do – which usually works for me. Anyhow, my beautiful IPad2 (yes, I am still in love with it) was perfect for organising my writing diary. And, so I am set for the ‘off’ regards completing ‘Her’. I have sought out a couple of agents that I wish to target first, then a second group who I’ll approach should all the others final – and I am expecting a flood of rejections, I’m prepared.

I have continued my reading of ‘Middlemarch’ and have arrived at a point where I am now starting to enjoy the experience. Yes, you read that correctly. It is still a hard slog, double reading of each line to ensure that I understand the passage but I am slowly, very slowly getting there. In earnest of finishing this book, I have written a 12 book

reading list (yep more lists) for 2012. I am going to aim to cover more of the classics within the next twelve months – for my 2011 reading list check out the ‘previously book wormed’ list in the left hand panel. Yep, I have read all of those since January 2011 - I usually get through about 30 books a year – reading, as I do, every day.

Whilst writing this blog the post has arrived, delivering my gold card for Blood Donors – hee, hee I now have a very small but perfectly embossed gold card confirming my achievement – cheers, NHS blood donors!

Back to the blog writing. My plans for the coming week are to focus on ‘Her’ and attend my final Mad Hatters meeting of 2011 on Wednesday. I need to complete a small poetry project in the next two weeks, too – as I have had a fabulous idea for a mini project that I wish to complete whilst dog walking.

I also have to begin getting ready for Christmas. Yes, I know, no decorations, hardly any presents bought but hey, I’ve been busy if you hadn’t noticed. I shall get it all completed in time – I’m sure.

So, on that note, I shall love and leave you, mainly because I now wish to parade about the lounge flashing my newly received gold card to hubby and family! By the way, they haven’ t yet stabbed me with the associated pen – though it is getting near. Remember, you can follow me on Twitter by searching O’Dwyer_author. Enjoy.

1000 hits, Friday morning tears and 50 pints of blood!

Morning folks, good news to start, number 17 on my April Fool 40^th List has been ticked off – I have officially donated my 50^th pint. Purely to humour my fellow Mad Hatter, Paul Morris, his usual Hancock classic quote ‘a pint, that’s nearly an armful’ which he says every time I donate, and yes, I laugh every time he says it!  Thanks to the National Blood Donors scheme - I have now given 50 arms full! It has only taken me 22 years – bless, the nurse who said I didn’t look old enough to be collecting my 50^th award. I received a beautiful, and I do mean beautiful pen in an embossed case. Never have I given so much for a pen, just hope the folks that have received from me have used it well and not wasted a drop. Actually, while we’re talking about blood donors, I’ll share a funny story about my last present, some five years ago.

I’d given my 40^th pint and the nurse was fussing over me being ‘so good, I’ll go and get you a little gift’. So, off she pops and returns holding a specially designed coffee coaster of grey slate, on which is embossed the NHS logo amidst the various blood types. I was well chuffed. I went home boasting to hubby that he wasn’t to use my new coaster as I had earn it by giving 40 pints - he at that time was on about his 13^th donation. Anyway, for an hour or two, I made a song and dance about having my coffee mug on my special coaster. By which time my bragging was wearing a little thin. Hubby goes out to his blood donor appointment – yep, I know very ‘his and hers’ stuff. Anyway, after an hour he returns and literally skips down the driveway. He enters the house with his usual greetings, all very happy and smiley – goes straight into the kitchen to make two coffees. Of course, on distributing the hot drinks, he places mine on my now prominently placed coffee coaster, before sitting down to drink his. In a flash, he whips from his pocket an identical blood donors coffee coaster of grey slate. He can hardly speak for laughing at my immediate explosion of ‘How have you got that?’ – ‘There was one left in the box, the nurse didn’t want to take it back - seeing as I was the last donation, she asked if I wanted it!’ See what comes of bragging? I digress but hey, sharing is good.

Anyhow, my week has been pretty awesome. I attended university on Monday and whilst waiting for the proceedings to start polished four poems – admittedly, I did look pretty anti-social but hey, the other students were all moaning, so I didn’t miss much.

Tuesday, saw me at home all day with a bad head but, I made the most of the evening by having a good clear out of the junk from my desk and filing cabinet – I felt the urge to get ready for that New Year/new inspiration injection.

Wednesday evening, I attended my Mad Hatters’ group – which opted for an early night at 10:30, which I’ve planned to have as one of my New Year resolutions. As I’m getting up at 5:30am each day there have been times this year when the group have deprived me of my much needed beauty sleep. I received positive feedback on four poems from the shoe collection – I couldn’t for the life of me recall all the footwear titles, which only confirms what I’ve said about reciting my work – I simply can’t remember it.

Thursday evening was the Grace Dieu Christmas Quiz and supper - a small gathering, but enjoyable all the same. I surprised myself with how many correct answers I dragged from the back of my dusty memory - there was no way Ian Dury and the blockheads were being forgotten, that was certain. As for my guessing the famous person with just the dates 1917 to 1963 – I thought that was easy, apparently not according to my fellow team mates – but hey, I gained five points for the correct answer. Answer at the bottom of blog, just in case you wish to play along.

Friday morning saw an encounter on the daily dog walk that had me in tears. Just one of those small, seemingly insignificant moments in life when the harshness of reality hits home and without a word, a simple gesture tells you everything. It left me reeling in pity for this person that society should treat him so badly, that he expected everyone to treat him that way – I hadn’t and his reaction caused my tears. So much so, I thought about him all morning at work and spent my lunch hour scribbling words to release what I’d felt in a heart beat – the result being a tiny poem.

Whilst I mention poetry, I have to say, the last five weeks have proved to be the most productive flow of poetry in my life. Since 27^th October, I have drafted and polished 26 poems, including today’s. Amazing what you can achieve whilst dog walking twice a day!

I’ve snatched a few hours of ‘Her’ here and there this week and am planning for my Christmas break which begins on 16^th December – yay!

Anyhow, I shall continue to plod, plod, plod until the 16^th – then it will be full steam ahead until 31^st (which just happens to be our wedding anniversary, arrrr).

My plans for this weekend revolve about ‘Her’ and a three thousand word essay for university regards the behaviour of pupils – something tells me I could write ten thousand on the later.

I have finished reading Sarah Water’s ‘The Little Stranger’; oh it got scary at the end, made me go all goose bumpy. My full attention is back to Eliot’s 'Middlemarch' which I must, must, must finish as it is number 7 on the April Fool 40^th list.

And finally, this little blog has received 1000 hits world wide – that might not sound much to some, but given that this is my small contribution to the internet, I am very proud. The actual 1000th hit was in America – so kisses and thanks whoever you are. I do appreciate all your visits – where ever you are based and hope you can follow me on Twitter by searching for odwyer_author. Enjoy!

Answer to quiz question - JFK 1917-1963

Song writing, poetry and pandas

Morning folks – I am very excited having just watched two pandas from Sichuan Province be loaded into crates for their long journey to Edinburgh, which will equate to another event ticked off my April Fool list. Yay! I can’t wait. Sorry, forgive me, back to business, but still - yay!

I didn’t have any appointments with writers groups so have had a completely free week – which has been wonderful.

Monday, I attended Barry Hunt’s songwriting workshop in Lichfield. Firstly, I loved the location – may well be using that myself in a future. Song writing – not something I’ve ever thought of doing, I went purely as a new aspect to creative thought and flow. It proved exactly what the doctor ordered. I was the only writer present, everyone else apart from hubby (yep, dragged him along too) were songwriters or currently performing in bands. Eight pupils in total, which meant a cosy group which gelled in the given time. Barry and the others shared their knowledge, expertise and funny stories whilst we completed lyric exercises, melody discussions and the benefits of collaboration. Today, as promised on Monday, I shall be dedicating an hour to songwriting – who knows what I’ll produce. I’d give my back teeth for a Christmas number that roles out every year – now, we’re hitting fantasy land for sure. For future events by Barry contact, www.barryhunt.co.uk  

Wednesday, for the first time in my life, I went on strike. As I forfeited a day’s pay I spent the entire day at home writing. I polished three poems for the shoe project – which pleased me greatly. I shall be seeking opportunities for these over the coming weeks.

Thursday morning saw the start of a similar poetry project which I intend to send along side the ‘Poetry from the shoe rack’ submission. As warm exercises whilst on dog walks these have proven to be a worthy representation of my time, so I may continue this little exercise indefinitely.

Thursday, also saw the countdown begin regarding ‘Her’ – I am desperate to complete for 31^st December so every day my writing time will be allotted to this project.

Friday - two interesting events happened at school. Firstly, during my English lesson I promised to write the pupils a Christmas murder where the chosen weapon was to be a pizza cutter! And, secondly, but I feel more importantly, a child was brought to me by a member of the support team to read her poetry. The member of staff knew that I had interests outside of school and thought I was the best person to encourage the child – what an honour! Anyway, I was impressed with her work for one so young, and we discussed seeking a poetry competition in which she might be able to enter her work. I shall let you know how she gets on. It was lovely being able to assist and encourage – probably one of the nicest elements of my job. I was secretly chuffed with the member of staff - who knows me so well.

I have joined the ‘River of stones 2012’ which takes place throughout January where writers and poets note ‘a thing of beauty’ witnessed each day of the month. By seeking and noting such detail, ideas and inspirations flow which can be turned into creative pieces. I thought it would be a great way to kick start the New Year. For further details, please visit www.writingourwayhome.com

Wednesday night I shall be at the Mad Hatters writing group in Atherstone, I will be reading a couple of the poems from the Shoe rack to see what the audience thinks. Though, Thursday is the biggy night for me, not only because I have Grace Dieu Writers’ Circle to attend, where I’ll be partaking in the annual fish ‘n’ chip Christmas supper but…. (drum roll needed here) I will have donated my 50^th pint of blood before hand – another event to mark off my April Fool list. For my efforts I will be presented with a pen, never have I given so much for a pen. For those that I see in ‘real life’ I apologise now for mentioning it every time I use the said pen, please don’t stab me with it!

Today’s plan - a day at the desk with ‘Her’ swimming before my eyes, aided by a vat of tea.

Remember you can follow me daily on Twitter by searching for odwyer_author – I can’t promise buckets of humour but I can promise that you’ll have a daily up-date regards my creative musings. Please pass the blog details or Twitter details to other interested parties. Enjoy!

A weekend wish list, song writing and writing treasures

Morning folks – I have a free weekend to myself, as Hubby is away on a training course. So, I am up early making the very most of every single moment. It feels like a luxury having the house to myself, with a free routine to do as I wish. As you’ve probably realised by now, I’m a list person – so my first task was a ‘wish list’ to accomplish this weekend - my main task will be editing chapters of ‘Her’, in between which I’ll do smaller tasks - complete a shoe poem, a sketch for the shoe poetry project and a  couple of printing jobs needed for short story competitions.

At Wednesday night’s Mad Hatters writers’ meeting, I read four of the shoe poems – all received positive feedback, some with a little giggle. I was pleased at their reception considering they’ve been created upon dog walking duties. Amazing what you can achieve with 30 minutes twice a day. One member asked if I’d found the poetry helped regards my novel writing? I have to admit it has. I’ve seen the poetry in the same manner as a ‘warm up’ exercise at the gym. As I’m currently editing my novel, my creative outlet has been limited in the form of short stories, so the daily poetry has helped. I have just six more shoe poem to write – so we’ll see what happens after wards, I may even begin another poetry project.

I failed to attend the Grace Dieu writers’ circle on Thursday evening due to a cold - which I don’t seem able to shake off. I sent my apologies before hand but it didn’t seem quite right being at home missing their creative delights. I may not be able to make the next Grace Dieu session due to having an appointment at blood donors – which I couldn’t possibly miss as it will be my 50^th donation – yes, you read that right folks 50 pints! Which will be number 17 ticked off my April Fool list (see right hand panel).

This week, I was introduced to a new magazine called ‘Be: magazine’, a quarterly publication produced in Worcester, which is the official magazine of the Worcester Literary Festival. The editorial team are seeking submissions for short stories, poetry, and features.  For further details, take a look at their submission guidelines at http://www.bemagazine.co.uk/

Just like last week I have continued pondering many aspects of my writing world – one being the restriction on sharing future ideas. I’m all for sharing experience and advice but I have come to the decision that from this point I won’t be sharing my musings until they are complete. It sounds harsh, but I don’t know of any other writer that details their ideas prior to completing - many refuse to even talk about a current project. I have to start seeing my musings and ideas as ‘treasures’ upon which my future depends – so from now, my lips are sealed.

Monday, 28^th November, I’m attending a song writing session in Lichfield, organised by Barry Hunt. I met Barry whilst attending the Polesworth Poetry Trail workshops back in February. Barry was successful in creating a song for the poetry trail, which is situated within the Pooley Heritage Park. I am hoping to gain a creative outlet that will help my novel writing, much in the same way as Barry attended the poetry to gain creative ideas for song writing. Finger crossed, all goes well and I’ll be able to share my experience next week. Should you be interested in attending the session, please contact Barry Hunt on www.barryhunt.co.uk

  

My current reading book is ‘The little stranger’ by Sarah Waters – the book is not what I’d expected - some strange goings on have occurred and I’m hooked. I can’t keep my nose out of this book – which could prove to be my down fall on my free weekend. I continue to plod with Middlemarch.... oh, it’s such hard work. And, I must say a belated ‘Happy birthday’ to George Eliot for 22^nd November.

I have ordered P. D. James’ new release ‘Death at Pemberley’ – I’m a sucker for anything related to Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. In fact, I thought the postman would have delivered it today, along with ten Mr Men book ordered for my little cousin – sadly, nothing has arrived.

Tomorrow Radio Four has a midday programme dedicated to Ian Rankin – so, I’ll be tuning into drawl over his Scottish tones. Phew, I’ve gone all of a quiver. So, on that note I shall love and leave you.

Remember you can also follow me on Twitter by searching for Odwyer_author, please feel free to message me any questions - I promise to answer all.

Juggling, struggling and realisation

Morning folk, it’s an early blog from me as I’m heading off to the Birmingham German markets - in search of Christmas presents for the extended family.

My week has been a bit of a juggle between day job and writing – I could really do with another half term holiday to focus my energy.

Monday night, I managed to proofread two chapters of ‘Her’, which seems to be a slow process.  

Tuesday night – I missed the Goblin poetry night in Ashby, due to a University evening where we discussed Faraday’s reputation – which I have to confess, I found fascinating. So many great lives have gone before us, leaving behind their knowledge. Though, the urge to write a short story fictionalizing my fellow pupils is growing with each session – I shall jot down a few notes into my ideas book and find some time to plan.

Wednesday – was a wipe out. I was so tired, I fell asleep in the chair and remained there until bedtime – annoying but I must have needed.  

Thursday evening, I polished a poem about a tennis shoe, which had been floating about my head whilst on dog walks. I now have 11 poems so, whilst on a shopping trip I took a trip into the children’s section of Waterstone’s to take a look at the poetry section. I made a list of the publishers, on which I’ll do my homework using the Writers’ and Artists’ Year book before deciding what I’ll do once the final eight poems are crafted.

Friday night, the family sat watching the Disney version of Christmas Carole, which got thinking of my Christmas pasts, Christmas present, Christmas future. By the end of the film, I had an autobiographical piece mapped out in my mind, which I hope to begin drafting this weekend.

All in all, a fairly quiet week at home for me, with lots of thoughts and new ideas forming for the future.

Having juggled the week as I have - fighting for my writing time, I’ve come to a decision that from this point on my ‘time’ has to be valued in relation to my novel. At a writers’ workshop, Jo Bell had explained that we can all run about being ‘creative types’ helping, supporting and doing for others, while our own projects patiently wait for our return. I acknowledge that networking is very important but it has to be the right networking for my project, not others. Such thoughts have also coincided with the realisation that I don’t want to be a jack-of-all-trades; simply one thing ‘an author’ and so all my creative efforts will be put into that one goal. My new mantra is ‘if the time spent doesn’t assist my project and goal, then I can’t afford the time’. Sounds pretty ruthless but if I want what I want; I need to do what I need to do – to make it happen for me. See, I told you I’d been navel gazing. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m prepared to do a lot, outside of writing, in order to obtain my goal; creative branding, media workshops, elocution lessons, even 1:1 training on presentational speaking – some skills I’ve already addressed. In this media driven world, where the whole package is the desired option, I really feel I need to focus my attention on me and mine.

After some rather deep thinking, I shall love and leave you. Remember, you can follow me on Twitter Odwyer_author for further creative musings. Enjoy!

Outted by Twitter, writers galore and a song writing session

Morning folks, I’m back with a weekly round up of my musings. I have to say it has been an interesting week – in numerous ways.

Tuesday – was definitely a strange day. I discovered at lunchtime that a close family friend was now ‘following’ me on Twitter – a life long friend, who may I add, knows nothing of my writing and musings. Several months ago, he’d signed up to follow the surname, but had ‘unfollowed’ within the hour having read the mini bio and quite obviously thought ‘nope that isn’t her’ – hee hee it was! But Tuesday, he knew it was me having cleverly linked my Twitter status ‘supping Starbuck’s at uni’ and my Facebook status ‘A day at uni’ – clever bugger. This might seem frightfully normal to some but, and here’s my point, he is now the only individual apart from my mother and one girlfriend that stand outside of my writing circles. He, and possibly his wife, are literally the first people to know my secret! My face must have been a picture when I saw the email confirmation ‘Jakes???? is following you on Twitter’, a gasp escaped me, followed by a giggle but in some ways I’m delighted, it’s beginning to feel right that others should know what the hell I’ve been doing for near on 16 years!!!!! So, Ian and Emma – welcome, to my secret.

Wednesday saw the Mad Hatters writing meeting in Atherstone – to which I might add, we were all late – every last one of us – which gave me an idea for a story! There was a lot to talk about, ideas and new ventures flying about the place. I hadn’t taken an extract from my novel but a poem instead Mr Fox – which a member had requested, having missed it the time before. But, as so often happens when writers and poets meet, the big and little hand soon surprised us by calling bed time.

Thursday evening was the highlight of my writing week – an evening of short stories at Coalville organised by my other writing group, Grace Dieu Writers Circle – where The Runaway Writers of Burton, Charnwood Writers of Loughborough and Ashby Writers Club of Ashby-De-La-Zouch (I love that name) came together to share our work. There was lots of talk of planning a ‘write off’ between the four groups – which fingers crossed, Tony will set about organising. Each writing group had previously voted three members’ to represent their group – thankfully a piece of my work had been chosen by the Grace Dieu members. I felt quite honoured, especially as I only joined them in the spring, to represent the groups' talent by reading ‘Caught in the act’.

Yesterday, I booked myself onto a song writing workshop happening Monday, 28^th November, from 7:30pm, in Lichfield. The two hour session is being organised and run by Barry Hunt - contact barry@barryhunt.co.uk for further details.  I thought, why not? If I can attend poetry nights purely for pleasure and inspiration, I can attend a song writing session – who knows what creative powers might be released to aid my novel writing. Plus, I can at least sing/play instruments, which is a bonus compared to my struggles with poetry. Though Barry, if you’re reading this ‘no, I’m not singing’.

This morning, having washed the poodle, as cream carpets and garden mud don’t mix well – I composed a poem about a flip flop, as part of my mini poetry project. So far, I have poems for ballet slipper, a knitted bootee, doggy bootee, swimming sock, wellington boot, stiletto heel, plimsoll, and now, a flimsy flip flop. I’ve compiled a list of footwear, twenty in total, so will continue with the project until I’ve exhausted the list. After which, I’ll begin another little idea that has sprung from no where.... more said another time. 

This week I’ve devoured a book ‘Toast’ by Nigel Slater, a British chef – a beautifully written autobiography in which he links every memory to food. It’s been a gastronomic delight to dip into his world, so skilfully written to connect reader and writer, that I’ve shouted aloud a couple of times in recognition of particular sensations and smells.

I am, still plodding along with Middlemarch by Eliot, it’s going to be a long haul to reach the back cover but I am determined to do it by 31^st March 2012 – see April Fool list.

The plan for today, is to tether myself to my writing desk in order to proofread another few chapters of ‘Her’ – hunting for typos and punctuation errors. As always, you can follow me on Twitter by searching for Odwyer_author  - providing daily musings from my creative world.

Next Tuesday, 15th November see the launch of a new poetry evening in Ashby-De-La-Zouch (I love it) at The Giggling Goblin coffee bar, Mill Lane from 8:30pm onwards - promising to be a night of music, song, recitals and readings. The event is planned for the third Tuesday of each month and everyone is welcome. 

And finally, a huge shout out to followers in Latvia – thank you for your support and I hope my blog inspires in some small way.

Follow up - 13.11.11: I've just realised that I'm at university on Tuesday evening so won't be able to attend the Ashby poetry night - I am sure it'll be a fabulous night. I instead, I'll be discussing the reputation of Stalin - if the discussion is anything like art history - I'm walking out (honestily, I am). Or another plan would be to stay listening but begin planning for a short story about our previous art history class! 

Saturday afternoon, I created a 'football boot' poem in honour of the 'friendly' match between England and Spain (Grrrrr, I hate friendlies) and I polished an Armstice Day poem drafted on 11.11.11. Not to mention the two chapters of 'Her' that I proofread - phewwwww.

Middlemarch, Shoe rack and a letter to Granddad

Morning folks – you join me on a damp and dismal Saturday morning – it  seems to have rained for 24 hour. I'm up bright an early as I have a full day ahead.

I’ve had a strange week. Monday saw a return to the day job after a week’s holiday - only to find the kids hyper and the staff counting down to the next holiday. By the time I arrive home, I felt completely drained so spent the entire evening, literally until bedtime, reading ‘Middlemarch’. Wow, this book is not an easy read - I’m having to read every sentence twice to ensure that I fully understan the meaning – talk about over descriptive and wordy.  But I am determined to plod on till its completed – especially, as it is number 7 on my April Fool list.  

Wednesday - I attended a music theory exam, surrounded by young children doing a higher grade paper than my grade 2. Now, that was a moment of humility in my busy week. I sat the exam purely for fun – yet, remember all to well the terror witnessed in the children’s faces as we waited to be seated. Thank fully, those days are long gone. I know I’ve passed but will have to wait till nearer to Christmas for the exact grade.

Thursday evening saw me attend The Fizz 10, three Cork Poets in the Tithe Barn of Polesworth – a very enjoyable night spent amongst worthy poets. For more details and a review by Gary Longden, please visit http://www.behindthearras.com/

Friday saw me on the hunt for cheap printer ink cartridges – wow, even the on-line price isn’t as cheap as I’d like. Given that I use the majority for printing, I always purchase. I might have to take on a mortgage if I'm to print out ten sets of part-manuscripts for agents come December.

I mentioned last week that I had a new project under way, which was to be completed on dog walking missions. Well, in one week I’ve written several more poems: doggy bootee, swimming sock, plimsoll, with the beginnings of wellington boot sloshing about in my head. Not bad for early morning musings amongst the falling autmun leaves.

Yesterday, I returned to a personal project that I started a while back. I began writing a series of letters connected to my family tree. Given that yesterday was five years to the day since I saw my granddad for the last time, I wrote him a letter. Such a smashing man, I used my final words to him as the opening of the letter, ‘Bye, and no more dancing in the bathroom, Grandad.’

My aim for today is to proof read a whole section of ‘Her’. All week I’ve been planning for today, preparing myself for the long haul, armed with a gallon of hot tea and biscuits. Which given the weather outside is truly the best option. Though, I’ll have to nip out with the pup for our weekend trek and a shoe thought.

Mentioning the pup, I have a poem forming regards him ‘The poodle in the puddle’ which sprung out of no where on yesterday morning’s walk. In fact, I may list a dog as one of life’s essentials for any writer – dog walking duties seem to increase the creative muse.

The ‘Book of the week’ on Radio 4 was ‘Why be happy when you can be normal’ by Jeanette Winterson – an extremely funny lady born out of a difficult childhood. Please treat yourself to a listen – there are only a few days of shelf life remaining for the podcast.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/

Writers’ News magazine flopped onto the doorstep this morning; so far I’ve read three articles all crammed with excellent ideas and advice for the inspired novelist. There are several articles focusing on novel writing, along side the usual favourites: my writing day, Q&A and of course, the competitions.

The coming week is pretty basic. I’ve got the Mad Hatters Writers’ Group on Wednesday night, but the highlight of the week is going to be the Grace Dieu Short story evening on Thursday. I shall be reading my story ‘Caught in the act’ at the allotted time of 7:20 pm – or so, the evening’s programme tells me. So fingers crossed, that it’s an enjoyable night in celebration of National Short story week. We have guests attending from Ashby, Charnwood and Burton writing groups - so it should be a jolly evening.

That’s about it from me this week – so, I’ll love you and leave you to ensure that I can settle at my desk for the long day ahead. Enjoy!