Friday, July 24, 2009

Secret Study

Last week the euphoria of finishing the first draft - this week the not-quite-so-jolliness of starting the re-writes ... All part of the job, of course, but it's a gear change that can grate, from "getting it written" to going back and "getting it written better." Some people swear by a change of scene to oil the change of gear, and I've decided to try that myself. I'm going to Canada. (Well, I was going to Canada anyway, but now I'm going to pretend that the timing was all intentional.) I'll be staying with my mum most of the time in what we shall call for convenience an Old Peoples' Home. And here is my secret. There is, on the second floor, towards the end of the corridor, a deserted sitting room. People walk by it. Sometimes people even reach in a hand and turn out the light (which is disconcerting if you're me, sitting there, trying to write). But people don't sit in it.

So I do. And that is where I intend to rewrite The Case of the Glasgow Ghoul. In my secret study. As long as nobody turns out the light.

Cheers, Joan.

P.S. I will try to post something from Canada next weekend if I can get the computer at the Home to work, but it is tempermental. If I can't swing it, I will be back to blogging in mid-August from Scotland, so see you then!

Sunday, July 19, 2009

A Demolition of Square Brackets ...

... is on ABBA.

Cheers, Joan.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Reeds and Rushes





250 words on why this is beautiful, open deadline, just as it takes you!

Cheers, Joan.

Saturday, July 04, 2009

North Tyneside Summer Reading Challenge



This summer I'm a Champion! North Tyneside are taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge and Witch Bell in particular, and The Wickit Chronicles in general, are chosen books. And they've invited me to come and be a Reading Champion for 4 of their big days, which is lush. Lush (unless I've heard it wrong, which is possible) is my new word. It's Newcastle for cool. I think. Let me know if you know this word and it actually means something rude ...

These are my dates: 18th July at North Shields
23rd July at Long Benton
13th August at The Rising Sun Country Park
27th August at Dudley

If you're anywhere near, drop by! It'd be lush. (I think.)

Cheers, Joan.