Covid, Sex Change & Hen's Teeth

Well, you can't say this year hasn't been (insert those applicable) interesting, boring, scary, demoralising, depressing, devastating, soul destroying... Need I go on? I don't believe there is one person on this island that hasn't lost a loved one, or know of someone who has passed because of that s***** virus. Before you think that I'm about to rant for the rest of this blog, I'm not, but I wanted folk to know despite the superficial nature of my words and the topics I speak about here, I feel deeply about this subject as much as any other person. I just don't want it bring it to the table every blog. One small rant is all that virus is getting out of me here.

My blogs are aimed at providing positive words, for the majority. Words hopefully to inspire, laugh and on rare occasions uplift their spirit. Because honestly, if I can do things I want to do, so can you, so can anyone. This week for example, I assisted taking Christmas food parcels to needy, lonely people around Thanet. It sounds very humbling doesn't it, but it wasn't that good of me. For a start, I was moaning because we were forced to wait in the car park one hour because, and good for her, the organiser didn't like the look of the food provided. Frankly, I'd seen better aeroplane food. She sped off in search of festive cheer (no not booze) to make the parcels more in keeping with our deliveries. I had the villages since I wasn't worried about driving 'huge' distances or getting lost.  I expected maybe 10 parcels, but ended up with only 3 which deflated my previously self-inflated ego somewhat. I don't know why, but I guess I thought if I delivered a ton of parcels it might balance up my sins?

Last week, saw my last Witch on the Warpath related podcast as I aired some of my bloopers. Feel free to check it out, it only lasts 5+ mins.  Bloopers Apparently, it is getting quite a few views.  I should have have just recorded my falls and stumbles around the home, might have got more views. Especially my favourites, walking into the corner of the dining table, the doorframe, the bannisters or sofa. Or my son's perennial daily fall up the stairs. Its hilarious.

Because I plan to continue recording and editing Podcasts in 2021, if my son the editor doesn't request too much money for doing these, I've decided to try and support my fellows writers and authors, by showcasing their work in between my own.
Anyone interested needs to contact me using the contact page on this website. You can either record your own piece using Zoom, or give your consent for me to read your work out. Please note I do not read porn, erotic or any other bizarre, weird or wacko stuff. That may have reduced the list of  of interested folk, but please consider it. If you remain unsure check out my first offering of Faye Beerling's latest book launch for Twisty Tales.

Another idea of mine is to organise 5 minute video messages for folk to send to their loved ones across the world. You can contact me via the contact page if this appeals to you to discuss it. I will be requesting a small fee mainly to cover my son's time and editing suite. You have no idea the time editing and computer memory these take up. You need access to a computer or smart phone with a camera on it.

Yesterday, I ran our Inspirations writers Group Xmas zoom meet up (crackers and nibbles compulsory). I thought it went very well for my first Christmas one and folk looked to be having a good time, difficult to see from the inside of your own house. I've also entered our latest Anthology, Green, into the National Writing Group Associations Competition - fingers crossed.

Today and over Christmas I'm doing the final review on my next novel What If. The cover is mocked up (I think that's the professional phrase) I might show a seek preview of the cover in my Jan blog.  Next, it'll be time to contact my good friend Geoff to see if he's up to formatting this book for me. Then printing with my other friends, Book Printing UK.
I did consider continuing to send this novel to an agent/publisher, as a fellow author advised, but frankly during Covid I'm probably more likely to get sex change surgery (not that I'm after one).
Hen's teeth are rare because chick's only have a tooth in the egg which they use to peck their way out the shell - I think - or I could have made that up. Agents wanting to publish an old, unknown, non-celebrity-status, nurse's novels are much rarer by far.  Even though this is book four and I have several more waiting in the proverbial wings to be published. Like hen's teeth I could be wrong. I would so love that.

Just noticed a slight bitterness tripping into my words again. Sorry about that. Before I sign off for the last time this year. I just want to wish everyone and anyone, who spends a few moments scanning my website;

             Have a safe, healthy and happy Christmas,

till next year.