I hate getting old, time is flying by far to fast. I'm sure it was last week when I sat down and wrote about my last lot of activities and grips. Checking October's blog I did have quite a moan reading that back.

Moving on today I'm happy to announce that Mustard and Marmalade will be launched in time for Christmas.  Hurrah! I already have pre-orders which is awesome.

FORTHCOMING BOOK LAUNCH

MUSTARD AND MARMALADE DACHSHUND DOG DETECTIVES
AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING FILLET STEAK.

11 TO 3PM AT RIPARO LOUNGE,
WESTWOOD CROSS, BROADSTAIRS.

I was a bit afraid we weren't going to make it, however my new printer's Lane's, based on the Pyson's Estate have delivered. Well, I collected from them to save postage (and the carbon footprint of course) last Thursday.

Today I'm off to Hotel Chocolate to run the next meeting of the Phoenix Community Group, shortly  (2pm) and Saturday I will be at the Birchington Christmas fayre 9 to 2pm. I will have a few copies of Mustard and Marmalade should folk want them before the launch.

On the writing front, still plodding a long with Aquasapien Four - Legend. It is hard. I usually write because something inspires me. Here I am writing because I have to in order to complete the series. Its not the same writing action at all.
I reckon this must be what it feels like if you have a traditional publisher. Either you write something, they don't like sections of it so you have to re-write them to suit the publisher's request.  Or, like now, you've written a book and they say, "It sold really well, write another one in the same style/subject." Where to begin you wonder. Follow on from the end of the previous book is obvious. Prodigy  had four storylines running and Legacy is doing its best to out-smart that.

SPOILER  ALERT.  Don't read next paragraph if you don't want to know.
In Prodigy, book three, Redshaw's story continued. Plus-shall we say-his descendants' story, Unit one's stories and Unit Two's stories carry on apace. I have those, plus the baddie's story,  and the individual descendants' stories in addition to those in Prodigy. Confused? Welcome to my world.

Its coming along gradually and using different places I've visited recently including Japan, Brighton and South Wales, its filling out. I'm over the half way mark 50,000 words which is good. I tend to feel better once I know I have less to write than I've already written. It feels downhill from here. Not in the negative sense of going downhill to your doom, but the one where you've pedaled uphill, reached the top aka halfway through writing your novel, and you're on your bicycle going down, legs stretched out, shouting "Weeeee!" A mad grin of pleasure on your face. Okay, maybe I haven't got to the grin part yet, but you know what I mean - don't you?

My next book out is cutting it fine. I’m hoping to have Mustard and Marmalade launched before Christmas. Fingers Crossed. Going to check over the hard copy proof this Thursday. If its okay then I’ll confirm the print run. Otherwise its back to square one, looking for another printing company that can produce the quality of the previous four picture books.
It’s a real shame Swallowtail printing went under, their books were super. However, I was let down by them with my first Timmy picture book, after 52 copies arrived damaged. They provided replacements but it was disappointing and I’d asked them not to use DPD in future. Things like that can affect your overheads.
Talking of delivery companies, I was shocked to discover another delivery company’s procedures locally. I dropped my car in for new tyres on Pyson’s road industrial estate, (black circle tyres great prices, check them out online) and with nothing to do for 40 minutes found a food hut along the road. Stopping there for a cuppa and a Twirl, I sat down to watch the world go by.
Across from the food pod, on the opposite pavement was a huge pile of packages and parcels, at least a hundred. I was intrigued. Even more so when a normal family car pulled up, the driver got out and started reading all the labels. He apparently had a list and gradually he removed a large number of the packages, putting them on his back seat and then drove off.
Another car appeared a few minutes later, the driver doing the same thing, then he drove off too. I investigated and found all the packages left were labelled Hermes Delivery.
It appears a van drops them all off, ON THE OPEN PAVEMENT! There’s no one there. I was gob-smacked. They could be stolen, trod on, or the rain could ruin them, most were paper. Who does that? Remind me to never use Hermes for any deliveries, and I thought DPD were bad with my books.
Saying that, I’m guessing all of us have had the package thrown over the gate—smashing everything inside. Left on the drive—contents worth over a hundred pounds. Left with a neighbour—who denies ever receiving it. Or, conversely, left with a neighbour when you actually requested they didn’t—and they give it to you intact.
There are a thousand delivery stories , I reckon that’s a book. Only two days ago my son ordered and paid for a pizza from Pizza Hut at 9pm. 11.30 and it never arrived. He said it happens sometimes, the driver delivers to the wrong house and the baddies, instead of saying it’s the wrong address, thank them and eat it.
Sometimes I don’t like living around such people. Are they people, or are they animals? Only concerned with their own needs, their own life and not giving two hoots about anyone else? I see it everywhere these days, on the roads, in the supermarkets, shops, cafes. Why can’t folk treat others how they would like to be treated? Don’t they know kindness rubs off eventually on everybody if we all did a little tiny bit of care.
I didn’t realise I was going to get on my high horse today. I’m supposed to be updating you on my writing, but sometimes other things are more important. Like the new Phoenix Community Group I’ve started. We are meeting on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month from 2 to 4pm. Easy to remember, and even easier, its at Hotel Chocolat, Westwood Cross.
The idea is to offer volunteer support to people and places and organisations across Thanet who need our help. One-off specific projects to put some love back into Thanet. Best of all, No committee, no chair, no treasurer, no minutes and no membership fee. Just buy a drink and come see if its for you. Our next meeting is Thursday 23rd October at 2pm.
See you There.

This month is a blog with a difference. People ask me all the time, "Where do you get your inspiration from? Where do you write? What do you write about?

This is an extract of a couple of hours of my life. I enjoy writing in busy places. My environment inspires me. What follows is a piece I've written two days ago including my reflection on attending the recent Turner Late and the subsequent deep thoughts that follow it.

The scene around me allowed me to relax. In the main area, an artist played on a Chinese instrument they called ‘Stingy’. They played exceedingly well, the audience mesmerized by their skills and the connection with Mandarin sounds.
Outside, a workshop on Salsa and Tango clashed with the Chinese vibe. The raspberry mojito helped, and the diversion of the Algo Bonda, a mouth watering spicy potato snack, prepared by The Curry Mistress, completed the experience.

Beyond the sky morphed into a glorious creamy orange teamed with original sky-blue tones. Chords rang out pure and insistent encompassing the area with vibrant sound. People came and went trying to move across the space discreetly and failing. Their movement distracting as the Salsa rhythms flowed through the double automatic doors – continually opening and closing, a juxtaposition to their footwork.

The finale. They rose to sing and moved in harmony to their music. A good vibe. As the last note fell, the audience vacated the space like a fire alarm had gone off. Fast, and furious they fled.

The evening wore on. Three salsa dances later and I’m outside the Bull’s Head pub in old Market Place drinking a pint of coke—no ice. I’ve not written any more of my Legacy manuscript but had a lovely evening writing. Waiting for my beloved to arrive after I texted him. He’ll turn up, probably stay for a beer too, if I know him and I think I do.

Temperatures nice, warm breeze enough to cool me down after my exertions dancing. Knee aches now. I’ll be regretting it come tomorrow. I don’t care. The journey continues. Its not the pain, misery or sadness that kills you. It’s the giving up.
Its hard not giving up. A tempting lure calling throughout one’s lifespan. If it were chocolate I’d be gone decades ago. An insistent niggle, subdued by recent death threats, bringing home the stark reality of my morality.

Life feels endless, till it isn’t. Till death pokes you, reminds you that life here is finite. Not a right, but a gift. Often with expectations and outcomes.

A timer counting down. For some within hours of their birth. For others a very long century. The vast majority of us never reach this milestone. An unreachable dream; lost, thrown away, or broken. Who knows?

With such uncertainty it’s hard to choose. Either to tiptoe gently through life, taking care of others and yourself.

To ignore others and stay true to your own needs.

Or manage a mish-mash of both?

It’s hard.

When I look at other people and animals. I feel guilty, because their world is about survival. No time to sit and muse on their progress. Each day concerned with surviving. Finding enough to eat, to drink, places to sleep.

To live in guilt, a human occupation for me, that I have in plenty. I sit moaning about my life expectancy and what to do about it.

Life is hard no matter who or what you are.

What’s relevant? The word hard is relative. Unless its related to inanimate objects—I guess.

How do you stop something being hard?

For inanimate objects maybe find something harder to squash or squeeze them. Does that make them softer? No. Thinner. Covering a greater area but still hard, until they break under the pressure. Force doesn’t work, it alters the appearance but inside it’s the same state. We’re the same state.

Adding something to it maybe? Altering its essential parts, relaxing the structure.
Providing its not so much in dissolves into nothingness— without identity or purpose. In the organic world this means joining with someone else. Connections. Relationships. Creatures form packs, flocks, herds and shoals. They procreate to produce more packs, flocks, herds and shoals. Protection & safety.

With inanimates, the addition cannot overwhelm, otherwise it remains in its original state allowing excesses of abuse, violence, chemicals regardless. Or it breaks.

Things are not as hard if they are shared. Keeping hard, to yourself results in isolation, loneliness and ultimately—surrender.

Lesson learnt.

Sharing a life with someone else, is better for that life than staying alone.

This doesn’t necessary mean a permanent relationship. Friends, partners, colleagues, customers, pets—this is sharing life.

Where did that holiday go? Seems like only a few days ago I was preparing to go and here we are back four days already.

This post is mainly going to be about Japan, no apologies, but if you're ever thinking of going this blog might be useful. Starting off in Tokyo, we covered eleven cities/towns in seventeen days. I'm going to give you a summary on each relevant aspect from my point of view. If you want to see more, head to my TikTok profile for videos of all the places etc. 
First off, travel. Japan has four separate, distinct rail lines. The fastest the Bullet Train, speeds at 200 miles per hour. You need to reserve seats for this train. Next they have the Express train line, a bit like our high speed trains. Third, the local train service system stopping at every single station. It takes forever to get anywhere but time to enjoy the views. Lastly, the underground system, or subway as they call it. 
Each of these services have their own railways, their own tickets, platforms and destinations. Imagine you  arrive at the station, in say Tokyo. In front of you are all four systems, each colour coded, each with set numbers and directions and each with platforms.  Think London underground times four on entry. Add to that several thousand Japanese people, who know where they are going heading in all directions. Its terrifying.  It got better by the end, but I'm so glad my hubby and son managed this part of the holiday.

Next, Food.  Some of you will have seen my comments and photos on FB. It was traumatic. Unfortunately my hubby only told the travel company about his food dislikes, forgetting us two. He doesn't eat fish or seafood, neither does my son. I don't eat fruit or veg, neither does my son. I also have a Sulphite allergy.
First night we decided to play it safe. Tokyo had loads of chain restaurants and we went Italian so our boy could eat. Then Spanish, then Italian again 3rd night!
Following the city, we headed for Kiso Valley and a stay in a traditional Japanese Ryokan hotel. Beds on the floor, chairs without legs, Kimonos and public (naked) Onsen baths. No I didn't! This had been set half-board.  I now know what I'm A Celebrity Food Trials are like.  Seven courses of Japanese food the likes of which we had never seen and had no clue what anything was.
1st course five tiny white bowls each with some unidentifiable object in it. Honestly camel eyeballs wouldn't have been out of place here.
2nd course bowl of water over a candle for you to 'cook' your own food. The lowest type of Wagu beef I have seen. Think bad streaky bacon which we were meant to boil and eat. Yuk!
3rd course; luke-warm bowl of water with something floating in it. Supposed to be soup. 
We all gave up at that point, requesting dessert instead. The lump of putty that arrived wasn't awe-inspiring, though my hubby liked it. The size of a testicle covered in a few blueberries. Reminded me of stretchy cheese and chewing gum when I tried to swallow it - gave up.  
We were going to cancel breakfast but they advised we could have 'Western style' so agreed. Not good. Scrambled eggs raw, more like porridge. Another Yuk from me. 
At this point, my son and I were starting to lose weight. I raided a supermarket for salted crisps and chocolate bars. These became my go-to foods. 
After this we stayed away from Japanese food, which was difficult for despite there being some Western fast-food chains they'd been 'Japanized.' The Wendy's cheeseburger I so longed for had some kind of jelly in it and sauce like gravy but by day five I was so hungry I ate it. Day four I'd had a cup of French fries.
In Kanazawa and  Kyoto we finally discovered Western Fast foods that hadn't been bastardized. These included KFC and MacDonalds. Also a Japanese chain called Y's burger, my first normal cheese burger I almost licked the wrapper clean. 
I stocked our room with a good load of rubbishy snacks and this kept us going. We finished the holiday with another lovely Italian meal.
Check out my Trip Adviser reviews on good places to eat.
Ryokan's are a great experience, but if you have family with 'fussy' members I recommend only booking bed and breakfast.
I almost forgot, the lack of normal tea in some hotels, only green, forced me to purchased our own English breakfast tea, sugar and cream milk pods. This was a life saver so we could have more than one cup a day. Also there is very little tea etc. in rooms, its all in reception and you have to take this and toiletries  to your room yourself.

Overall, beautiful places, stunning scenery, great history. Lots of hills, valleys and mountains. We both agreed the countryside was our kind of place. A bit like how rural England used to look before all the housing. Well worth the lack of food. The people were polite and they followed rules. No one stepped on to the road if the crossing light wasn't green. Everyone waited in line. Not a piece of rubbish anywhere. Clean, shiny place with great attention and love to plants and trees. 

We also had five personal guides during our stay. The first, met us at the airport and provided us with the 29 tickets for rail travel. She ordered a coach to take us to our first hotel too. Then, a couple of days later two women, introduced us to a Fire Ceremony in a Buddhist Temple, followed by a private meditation session with our very own Buddhist Monk. Next, an Evening of Japanese food tasting. Not one we were looking forward to, but we told her all our problems and she managed to find two restaurants where we could eat something. The fourth was an event rather than a guide. We arrived at a place and were helped into traditional Japanese kimonos. We were guided through a tea ceremony and its history then tried out Origami, my heron had a bit of a stubby beak. The fifth guide we had for a whole day, she took us around everything, lunch and more sightseeing. All lovely people and a pleasure to spend time with.

Lastly, I'd like to thank Trail Finders for putting our holiday together so well. We told them the locations we wanted to see, style of hotel, times we wanted to fly  and they did the lot. Okay next time, no Ryokans for us. Also the Gracey chain of hotel was the better one and provided Western style breakfasts.


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​Where did this month go? I’m sure it was only a few days ago I thought, “it’s the beginning of the month I’ve got weeks before I need to write my monthly blog,” and here I am heading towards the end.
 
On my last blog I was about to go to Brighton Comicon. See my conferences and events page to view amazing cosplayers and here is my new gothic look. Heads up to the amazing, caring staff at the Ruby hotel too. Treated me like family. Thank you.
 
 I also released the 2nd Timmy book, this time set in Westgate and it did very well. You can order via Waterstones, or direct from my EStore  via this website.
 
I’ve become a bit more philosophical since turning part-time (3 weeks ago!). I realized a few years back that time is experienced differently depending on your age. When I was in school—at the onset of my life—an hour felt like it lasted a day, a day lasted a week, a week a month and a year – forever.
 
Now the end of my life is nearer than the beginning it’s the opposite. A day rushes past in an hour, a week speeds through in a day, a month a year, and a year – at light-speed. It’s why I went part-time in June. I have so many books waiting to be completed and published and so little time in which to make them a reality.
 
I work with books at different stages. Some I’m writing, others are in editing, more await formatting and publishing, which I can’t afford without the funds to do so. Going part-time would not be possible without the state pension coming on-line for me to cover some of the publishing elements. I want to get more books out, but need to sell more as well in order to cover the costs.
 
I guess I’m like the many musicians, artists, actors and other creatives that exist around the world. The majority of us at the bottom of the creative pyramid, never find fame, or even a following which enables this to become a financial career. My accountant tells me “this is an expensive hobby.” I don’t like hearing this. Her words spur me on to achieve more.
 
I’m hoping my upcoming holiday to Japan will inspire me onwards with Aquasapien four. Don’t be surprised if parts of it feature in the book. I’ve a fourteen hour flight both ways. Time to kill. Actually I’ve just decided I don’t like that phrase. Please don’t let me kill time. I want to keep as much of it alive as possible.
 
It needs to be Fill Time instead. Fill time with things you want to do. Don’t sit indoors bored. Don’t have walking the dog as the highlight of your day.
 
This afternoon I went to listen to a live band at the Swan, in Westgate. Neon-Buzz were brilliant. I ended up meeting a beautiful lady in her eighties, who put the other people there to shame. Despite having a walker she got up and danced to their 80’s vibe. I joined her, while the majority looked on. I only hope I have as much mojo when I’m 85. She is iconic.

Well, here I am. Finally, I’ve reduced my days at my proper job to part-time in order to spend more time writing, promoting and selling my work. In reality, I am what most people call semi-retired –apparently. I’ve decided to fight that terminology. I’m not ready to retire, and I might never be. So, changing the words to part-time employment, which it actually is, feels more comfortable.
Today is my first weekday not working. I’ve decided, thanks to some ideas by other folk, that Thursday and Friday are now my new weekend, since, as they pointed out I usually work all day Saturday and Sunday.
 
In keeping with that, I’m off to Brighton Friday afternoon (my Sunday now). Booking in at the Ruby Hotel & Pub in preparation for the Brighton Comicon at the Amex Stadium on Saturday. I’ve purchased some new gothic/witch clothing from a delightful shop in Old Kent Road.
Not to be confused with London’s famous address, we have a lovely indoors establishment in Margate which used to be a cinema when  I was little. Upstairs, in what used to be the gallery, is this lovely witchy shop containing a nice line in Goth clothing called the Nook of Shadows. https://www.thenookofshadows.co.uk
I’ll be sure to get some photos of my latest gear for you to view later.
 
Book wise, Further Tales of Timmy and his Magic Toe Beans is launched next Saturday.
Saturday 21st June 2025
10am to 12 am at Monty’s Greengrocers, High Street, Birchington
And
1pm to 3pm at Hotel Chocolat, Westwood Cross.
 
I’ve had lots of enquires and hopefully it will sell out like its predecessor did.
 
I’m in the middle of formatting the cover and layout for my next, and last picture book for a while. Despite having five others in the computer, I need to get on with the novels I’ve started and in particular Aquasapien Four Legacy. In last month's blog I promised a view of the Mustard and Marmalade cover. I haven't got as far as formatting it, but I do have the illustration ready to go. Hope you like it.

 Hopefully, now I have an extra weekend each week I’ll be able to find time to do complete this picture book. Unless my lovely hubby drags me screaming and kicking out to breakfast every day, like this morning. I sense it’s going to be a hard life having to eat two extra cooked breakfasts each week. Let’s see if my half a stone weight loss, stays lost.
 
Ask me next month.

Super excited with a confirmation date for Further Tales of Timmy and his Magic Toe Beans.
Saturday 21st June 2025

10am to 12 am at Monty’s Greengrocers, High Street, Birchington
And
1pm to 3pm at Hotel Chocolat, Westwood Cross.

Fast on the heels of the second Timmy book, comes my last picture book for a while, Mustard and Marmalade, Dachshund Dog Detectives and the Case of the Missing Fillet Steak. It’s the longest title I’ve ever written. I can’t fit all the words on the front page, but I think that will be okay. This book also features a page of local dachshunds that I fell in love with and had to take photos of. Of course after this, I spotted hundreds more but sadly no room left on the page.
As I mentioned last month, I have several more picture books waiting, I’ve found myself coming up with titles on a regular basis now. Tilly the Firm Worm, is about a worm who can’t bend. I’ve been told by folk the title is a bit risky, but I love it. Then yesterday, Teddy Doughnut and Quackie, Quack Quack, jumped out at me. Not literally. With picture books its these titles that inspire me. Sadly, these and the four others on my laptop will have to wait awhile, including the follow-up to Chicken Wizard.  Plus, I think I’ve worn my illustrators to a frazzle.
In the land of real work, far, far away, changes are afoot. With the freeing up of some working hours I will be able to attend more events and travel further. I have already been invited to Bisbee in Arizona, USA to speak on creative writing and my work, but it’s a long way to travel unless several more opportunities open up there making such a trip worthwhile. Plus, I’d probably have to take a shedload of books with me to sell. Who knows? Maybe one day.
On the subject of sales, I’ve completed not one, but three Comicon events in recent weeks, a bit of a marathon for me working full-time too. Didn’t make millions but met some super people and had a good time alongside the other traders. A few Dr Who’s hanging around signing autographs, a star wars veteran illustrator, and Mike from the Young Ones still as spry as ever. As usual the cosplayers were amazing. The effort they put into designing and producing the costumes is awe-inspiring. Check out my Events page on this site to see these brilliant look-a-likes.
On another note the writing group I founded in 2010 and still facilitate is working hard on their seventh anthology, Violet. We have several new members and I really enjoy running this group and supporting the local writers. So much so I might be setting up another group at Westwood Cross in the near future. Stay tuned to my monthly blog to check out, what, where and when.

Don't miss June's blog when I'll be sharing a sneak preview of Mustard and Marmalade's cover too.

 I’m enjoying my Easter break from work this year. In the past I’ve had to work. Done a lots of things every day and been away to the New Forest too. You’ll see more about that if you subscribe (which doesn’t mean pay anything) to my channel on Trip Adviser. A useful site to go if you’re looking for places to eat, explore, or go on holiday. My latest review, complete with photos, will be up there shortly after I’ve finished doing this blog. 
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My son finally agreed to edit and upload my pod cast on Valencia, after a lot of bribery, and struggles on my part to locate another person, any person, to do it. You can see it on YouTube, Carol M. Salter.

Book wise, my dachshund picture book, Mustard and Marmalade, is still with the illustrator. However, Further Tales of Timmy and his Magic Toe Beans is nearing publication. I am hoping for a launch date of Saturday 21st June, but its not confirmed yet. So many things can upset the publication process and the latest one for Timmy is that two of the pictures in the proof copy of the book are incorrect. It is back to the drawing board, not for me, but for Danny. My thanks to Danny for fixing the issue over the Easter break, hopefully. Sneak preview of the cover included here.

I’ve made the decision not to release any more picture books for now. I’ve at least five more waiting on the laptop, but without a traditional publisher, I need to sell books to publish books. Each one costs up to £2,500 to publish. With eleven books out there, and these two coming out in the next few months, I’m unlikely to be in profit any time in the next decade, and I’ve been trying for a decade already.

It can get demoralizing trying to get noticed, and most importantly finding anywhere willing to take books on for sale. I really appreciate Westgate Galleria for offering to sell all my work, and also Monty’s for selling Timmy’s books too. I would love to sell elsewhere so if anyone knows of a business that might be interested please let me know.

In my last blog I mentioned that I’ve booked several Comicon events in south England. Now I’ve added another 5 more events in Swanley, Fawkham and Maidstone Mall. Once they have confirmed I’ll be adding the dates to my future events page.
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On a final note, I am moving forward with Aquasapien four—Legacy. It has a long way to go yet and I’m not sure will be out for release until 2026. They say everything comes to those who wait and as I’m reducing my hours in May, who knows?

I don't usually give advice about mental and physical health on my Blog, I save that for my day job, but today I'm making an exception.
Like all of us, I meet new people every single day and as I'm older I tend to chat more to folk roughly my age. I am becoming more and more concerned about the amount of folk who do absolutely nothing after reaching retirement.
There will always be people who remain okay, for a while, doing nothing. But, as a rule, in my work and social life, I have discovered that the person who becomes immobile quickest, or dies the earliest are those who do absolutely nothing after retiring, except to "walk the dog." I cannot guess how many times I have heard this phrase over and over again. These individuals go on to talk about the many health problems they have preventing them from doing anything ever since they "retired!"
Because I want people to have the best quality retirement time they can achieve, I'm going to give you some invaluable advice that could improve the quality and/or length of your post-work life.

• NEVER retire immediately, unless you have no choice in the matter. For example, due to health issues, or family commitments etc.

If you can, reduce your hours to part-time. You may only complete a year or two. During that time, start looking for things to fill up your week from various activities, events and hobbies. By the time you are ready to retire you'll have a programme worked out containing the things you WANT to do, that don't count as working because you enjoy them.
Thanet has so many opportunities  it will amaze you,
There are groups for almost every hobby and activity you can think of e.g. knitting, painting, writing, reading, cycling, walking, running, swimming, chess, gardening, making crafts, bowls, tennis, golf, languages. Tia Chi, Karate, (I started at 40 and I'm still going). Music groups from ukulele, guitar, choirs drumming.   
You can do all these on your own, but you are more likely to continue them if you build up a network of friends around you, young and old.
If you would like to do anything, just Google it for Thanet, and don't forget Ageless UK who provide lots of groups, pay for a biker's breakfast each week, (find the Over 55 bikers Page on Facebook).
There are groups to support women like the Women's Institute, Lioness Clubs, and other women related activities and meetings.
There are groups to support men, like the Men Sheds, The Lion Clubs, the Freemasons ( there are 11 lodges  in Thanet alone) Men only Curry Clubs,  Man Space, Men speak.
You can volunteer a few hours a week at an unbelievable amount of organizations and charity shops. NHS League of Friends, Turner Centre, Red Cross, St johns Ambulance, Schools, Honestly I could write a book on all the places available to you.
When you have started filling up your off-work days, then and only then, consider retirement. You will then have a fulfilling retirement life. Retire doesn't = don't do anything. This will send your body, and mind, into shut-down mode and you will age rapidly. You will lose contact with the world around you and you will age faster. Your clothing, your language, your appearance, your state of mind will stagnate and soon you won't have anything in common with those who speak to you, and they will soon stop. Its a very lonely life doing nothing.

What I'm saying is don't, "just walk the dog." Find a dog walking group. Start one up.

If you'd like some help finding a group or activity near you I'd be happy to help. I know some of us aren't very IT savvy. Just leave a comment on my contact page about it.

Almost didn't sign on to my February blog. I forgot there are only twenty-eight days in this month. Fortunately, I figured it out yesterday whilst at one of my writing groups. Phew. Thanks Maddy.

Just finished adding my events for this year on the website here - check out my events & conferences page. So far, I've eight confirmed,  I am open to offers if anyone has a local event they are running and fancy having a local author at it. Fewer days away from Kent this year. In 2024, I attended thirty-two days worth of events. This year I'm reining it in a bit in the hope local organizers may call.


My author work is increasing apace, so in May I'm dropping one of my work days to enable me to do more writing events. I've several schools, wanting me for talks and workshops.

I also plan to run a number independent workshops on elements of creative writing and publishing. If you are interested in those, use the contact page and I'll let you know when they begin after April.

Yesterday, I received the new cover for Further Tales of Timmy and his Magic Toe Beans. This time set in Westgate, and Margate. Timmy 1 is going over very well indeed, and at events many children come to make a wish on his irresistible toe-beans.

​Ellie is still working on Mustard and Marmalade, and I've lots of interested dachshund owners who can't wait to see the finished book.  The pages are complete, but there's still the colouring and drawing pages to do, the extra doggies and the cover. I can't wait either so excited about it. Sneak Preview here.

I never know who sees my blog. I don't get numbers or any information from the website host to know.  So, if you feel like making a comment, maybe just to say "I've seen it," or click on the like/thumbs up, it would give me some idea if this is reaching anybody at all and I'm not sitting talking to myself in the dark and dribbling like some forgotten lonely mole.

I could sit and natter here all evening, as I said in January's blog I can talk about anything, my glass of Pepsi sitting to the left of me, the loudness of our lounge clock, the overly large and scary pair of scissors sitting in a jar I've had decorated with ducklings - don't ask. There's a story in each of those, but I'm actually prevaricating. Which means stalling. I'm supposed to be writing more of Aquasapien Legacy, I've already had readers asking me about it and the more I sit here writing this, the less I'm writing that. So I'm going... I really am.... Gosh its like saying goodbye on the phone. Does anyone else have that problem signing off. I'm gone.